Metro Manila, Philippines — Government meteorologists raised Signal No. 2 in more areas in Luzon as Typhoon Leon (international name: Kong-rey) approaches the country.
In its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “Leon” rapidly intensified over waters east of Cagayan, adding it could reach super typhoon category.
“Leon” has maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.
“‘Leon’ will be closest to Batanes between Thursday early morning and noon. A landfall in Batanes is also not ruled out,” PAGASA said.
“‘Leon’ will likely be at or near super typhoon intensity during its closest point of approach to Batanes,” it added.
Signal No. 2 is up in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, the northern and eastern portions of Isabela, Apayao, the northern portion of Kalinga, the northern portion of Abra, and Ilocos Norte.
Signal No. 1 covers the rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the rest of Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the rest of Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, the eastern portion of Nueva Ecija, Aurora, the northern and eastern portion of Quezon including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and the northern portion of Sorsogon.
PAGASA raised a storm surge alert in the coastal areas of Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
Strong to gale-force gusts are expected over Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol region, Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Camiguin.
Intense to torrential rains may occur in Batanes and Cagayan including Babuyan Islands; heavy to intense rains in Ilocos Norte, Apayao, Occidental Mindoro, and Antique; and moderate to heavy rains in Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga, Calamian Islands, Romblon, Negros Occidental, and Aklan.
