The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services and Administration (PAGASA) forecasts that Leon, currently a Supertyphoon, will weaken to a Typhoon this Thursday. This means that while the storm’s intensity will decrease, it will still pose a significant threat to the affected areas.
Typhoon Leon approaches Taiwan but still affects Northern Luzon with strong winds and possible rains.
“It continues to affect mostly Northern Luzon. Leon’s trough could bring rains across the island,” Veronica Torres of PAGASA said.
According to the agency’s latest bulletin, Leon is around 155 km North of Itbayat, Batanes, moving Northwestward at 25 km/h. Near the center, maximum sustained winds are 175 km/h, and gustiness can reach 215 km/h.
Veronica Torres also warned that Batanes could experience heavy rains and storm-force winds, urging residents to take necessary precautions.
In addition, Batanes has received TCWS No. 3, which indicates the highest level of tropical cyclone warning. This means that the threat of winds greater than 89 km/h up to 117 km/h may be expected in at least 18 hours, posing a significant risk to the area.
Wind Signal No. 2 has been hoisted over the Babuyan Islands with a warning of light to moderate damage to high structures.
“Within the next 48 hours, there is a high risk of life-threatening storm surge with peak heights exceeding 3 meters above normal tide levels over the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Batanes and Babuyan Islands,” PAGASA said.
Leon is forecasted to make landfall in Taiwan, turn northeastward over the Taiwan Strait, and then move to the East China Sea. This path is crucial for residents and authorities to understand and prepare for.
PAGASA said that Leon will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Friday.