Batanes is now under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 as Super Typhoon Leon continues to strengthen.
The typhoon is expected to intensify further as it moves northwest over the eastern Philippine Sea.
According to data from the Bombo Weather Center, the center of Super Typhoon Leon was last spotted 215 km east-southeast of Basco, Batanes.
Its movement has slightly accelerated northwestward at a speed of 20 km/h.
Leon currently carries maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center, with gusts reaching up to 230 km/h.
With the typhoon’s approach toward extreme Northern Luzon, authorities have raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 over Batanes.
This warning level brings the likelihood of heavy rains and strong winds impacting the area.
Residents near landslide- and flood-prone zones are advised to evacuate to safe locations if necessary.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 is now in effect over the eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands and northeastern mainland Cagayan.
Signal No. 2 remains active in the rest of the Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, northern Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, northern and eastern Abra, eastern Mountain Province, and Ilocos Norte.
Signal No. 1 has been raised over the rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, and northeastern Tarlac.
Leon is expected to continue moving northwest across the Philippine waters, with a potential landfall along Taiwan’s eastern coast by tomorrow afternoon.
After crossing Taiwan’s landmass, Leon is projected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by tomorrow night or Friday morning.
The typhoon is forecast to come closest to Batanes late tonight or early tomorrow morning, with a chance of landfall in the province if it shifts course.