By: Pauline Ritchel Ramos
Severe Tropical Storm Leon as of 10:00 a.m.
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that as Severe Tropical Storm Leon continues to intensify, 12 provinces in Luzon are now under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1. By 10:00 a.m., Leon was about 780 kilometers east of Echague, Isabela, or 735 km east of Casiguran, Aurora.
The storm's center is currently experiencing maximum sustained winds of 95 kph, with gusts as high as 115 kph. Leon is expected to continue strengthening as it moves westward at 20 kph across the Philippine Sea.
The following areas in Luzon are under Signal No. 1, experiencing strong winds and the potential for adverse weather conditions:
• Batanes
• Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands)
• Isabela
• Ilocos Norte
• Abra
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Eastern portions of Mountain Province and Ifugao
• Northern portions of Aurora and Catanduanes
According to PAGASA, areas of Northern and Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, and the Negros Region are predicted to see heavy to torrential rainfall through Thursday due to Leon's outer rainbands and trough.
Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to stay vigilant as landslides and flooding are expected to occur in places with steep terrain. Leon is predicted to build quickly, reaching typhoon power in as little as 24 hours and maybe super typhoon status when it gets closer to Batanes.
The storm is expected to move northwestward on Tuesday and may reach Taiwan's eastern shore by Thursday night or early Friday morning. By Friday afternoon, the storm is expected to have moved northeast toward the East China Sea and may have left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Depending on how close and strong the storm is, Signal No. 2 or even Signal No. 3 may be issued. Leon might approach Luzon if it moves farther to the west, which would make land regions more vulnerable.
PAGASA keeps a careful eye out for any changes in Leon's level of severity.
Communities in Leon's path are being advised by authorities to exercise caution. Given that the Philippines is still in the active tropical cyclone season, this is the country's second October tropical cyclone of 2024.