MANILA – Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Leon (international name Kong-Rey) has slightly intensified, nearing the typhoon category, the weather bureau reported Tuesday (29 Oct 2024).

Packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness up to 135 kph, the storm was last tracked 645 km east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, as of 4 a.m.

Forecasts indicate Leon may further strengthen, potentially reaching typhoon status within the next 12 hours.

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

The storm is anticipated to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday or Friday.

As of this update, tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 is in effect for 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), 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).

Residents in these areas can expect strong winds, while gusty conditions are also predicted over Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, the Bicol Region, the Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Camiguin.

A gale warning has been issued for the seaboard of Northern Luzon and the eastern coasts of Central and Southern Luzon, as sea travel remains risky for all types of vessels, PAGASA cautioned.

ia/mnm