The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa hoists Signal No. 4 over Batanes after raising “Leon” into the super typhoon category. Super Typhoon Leon is continuously heading closer to Batanes, threatening the region.
“The wind signals warn the public of the general wind threat over an area due to the tropical cyclone,” said Pagasa.
“This super typhoon will be near or at peak intensity during its closest point of approach to Batanes,” Pagasa added.
“Leon will be closest to Batanes from late evening on Wednesday to Thursday morning. A landfall in Batanes is also not ruled out,” the weather agency warns.
Pagasa warned the public against the typhoon’s wind threat and possible life-threatening coastal flooding.
“Within the next 48 hours, there is a moderate to high risk of life-threatening coastal flooding due to storm surge with peak heights exceeding 3.0 m above normal tide levels over the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Batanes and Babuyan Islands,” PAGASA warns.
In addition, Pagasa also issued a gale warning over the northern seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon.
According to the latest bulletin, the eye of Leon is estimated to be located 310 km East of Calayan, Cagayan. It is moving Northwestward at 15 km/h, with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 230 km/h.
Wind Signal No. 3 was also hoisted over the Eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Is., Camiguin Is., Calayan Is.) and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan.
Many residents of the affected regions in Luzon have evacuated their homes as Leon brought rain and strong winds, including those returning from the recent severe tropical storm Kristine. Others have decided to stay in evacuation centers to wait out Leon.
The local government units of affected provinces have advised their residents to evacuate to safe grounds.