Super Typhoon Leon (Kong-Rey) is nearing its closest approach to the northern islands of Batanes, bringing severe conditions, violent winds, and dangerous seas as it tracks northwestward towards Taiwan.
As of 4:00 AM today, the center of Leon was approximately 100 km east-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, packing sustained winds of 195 km/h with gusts reaching up to 240 km/h.
Typhoon Warning Signals in Effect
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 5 over northern and eastern Batanes, where typhoon-force winds pose an extreme threat to life and property. Winds may reach up to 185 km/h, with severe damage expected in affected areas.
Additional areas under lower TCWS levels include:
- Signal No. 4: Rest of Batanes, with significant threat and possible severe impacts.
- Signal No. 3: Northern Babuyan Islands (Babuyan and Calayan Islands) experiencing storm-force winds.
- Signal No. 2: Rest of Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, northern Isabela, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte.
- Signal No. 1: Extending across parts of Luzon, including Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Abra, and other northern and central provinces.
Coastal and Sea Condition Warnings
PAGASA warns of storm surges exceeding 3 meters along exposed coastal areas of Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
Mariners are strongly advised against sea travel, with wave heights expected to reach 14 meters around Batanes and up to 12 meters around the Babuyan Islands.
Track and Forecast
Leon is forecast to make landfall on Taiwan’s eastern coast by this afternoon and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by early November 1.
The storm is expected to weaken as it interacts with Taiwan’s mountainous terrain, though impacts in northern Luzon will remain significant.
Public Advisory
Authorities urge residents in high-risk areas to take all necessary precautions and heed local evacuation orders. Additional rainfall warnings and advisories will continue to be issued as Leon progresses.