‘Leon’ further intensifies; more areas under signal no. 1

MORE AREAS UNDER SIGNAL NO. 1. Parts of Northern Luzon and the Visayas are under tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 as of Tuesday (Oct. 29, 2024). The weather bureau forecasts Leon (Kong-Rey) to further intensify and reach the typhoon category in the next 12 hours. (Photo: dost_pagasa/Facebook)

By Ma. Cristina Arayata, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Leon (international name Kong-Rey) slightly intensifies and is nearing the typhoon category, the weather bureau said Tuesday.

The STS packs maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph. As of 4 a.m., the cyclone was located 645 km. east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Leon could further intensify and reach the typhoon category in the next 12 hours.

“There is an increasing chance that Leon will reach the super typhoon category during its period of closest approach to Batanes,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said, adding that a landfall over Batanes has not been ruled out.

The cyclone is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday or Friday, PAGASA said.

As of press time, tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 is hoisted over Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Aurora, the northern portion of Quezon including Polillo Islands (General Nakar, Infanta, Real), Camarines Norte, the eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Tinambac, Siruma, Goa, Lagonoy, San Jose, Garchitorena, Caramoan, Presentacion, Tigaon, Calabanga, Saglay), Catanduanes, the eastern portion of Albay (Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, City of Tabaco, Tiwi, Malilipot, Malinao, Santo Domingo, Manito), and the northeastern portion of Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, City of Sorsogon, Gubat), the eastern portion of Northern Samar (San Roque, Pambujan, Catubig, Laoang, Palapag, Gamay, Lapinig, Mapanas, Mondragon) and the northern portion of Eastern Samar (Jipapad, Arteche, Oras, San Policarpo).

Strong winds will prevail in these areas.

Leon is also forecast to bring strong to gale-force gusts over Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimarope, Bicol Region, the Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Camiguin.

Gale warning is hoisted over the seaboard of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon.

Sea travel is risky for all types or tonnage of vessels, PAGASA said.