Tropical Storm Leon (Kong-Rey) continues to strengthen as it moves westward, albeit at a slower pace, currently positioned around 840 kilometers east of Central Luzon with sustained winds of 85 km/h and gusts reaching 105 km/h.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reports that Leon is forecast to shift northwestward by early Tuesday, potentially bringing strong winds and rain to parts of Northern Luzon.
Wind Signal No. 1 in Effect
PAGASA has placed portions of eastern Cagayan, Isabela, and northeastern Catanduanes under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, warning residents of possible strong winds up to 61 km/h.
These areas may face minor impacts, with a 36-hour lead time to prepare for winds that could disrupt daily activities and pose minimal threats to life and property.
Rain and Wind Forecast
As Leon tracks closer to the Philippines, its outer rainbands may bring heavy rainfall to Extreme Northern Luzon, while its trough could impact Visayas, Mindanao, and parts of Southern Luzon.
PAGASA advises that this could intensify gusty conditions today in areas including Batangas, MIMAROPA, the Bicol Region, most of Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga.
By Tuesday, these conditions are expected to reach Aurora, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and parts of Mindanao, with continued impact into Wednesday in Aurora, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Northern Samar.
Sea Condition Warnings
Due to rough to very rough sea conditions, PAGASA has warned against sea travel for vessels of any size, especially along the following seaboards:
- Up to 4.5 meters: Batanes, where sea travel is highly discouraged.
- Up to 4 meters: Babuyan Islands, Isabela, and the eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan.
- Up to 3 meters: Northern Aurora, Camarines Norte, parts of Cagayan, Polillo Islands, and the northeastern seaboards of Northern and Eastern Samar.
Moderate seas, with waves reaching up to 2.5 meters, are also expected in portions of Ilocos Norte, Aurora, Northern Samar, Quezon, Albay, and Sorsogon.
Forecast Track and Potential Intensification
Leon is projected to maintain its westward movement for the next 12 hours before turning west northwestward early Tuesday, with a possible further westward shift.
By Wednesday or Thursday, Leon may pass near Batanes, bringing potential severe weather conditions.
The storm is anticipated to intensify into a severe tropical storm today, with possible rapid intensification leading up to a stronger typhoon classification.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed of official updates from PAGASA as Tropical Storm Leon approaches.