The Philippine Atmospheric, Geological, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts Leon’s transition from a severe tropical storm to a typhoon based on its latest bulletin, released Oct. 29, 11 AM.
As Leon intensified, public storm warning Signal No. 2 was hoisted in the northern part of the country. However, the weather bureau warned that the storm could reach Wind Signal No.4 if Leon strengthened into a super typhoon.
“The highest Wind Signal which may be hoisted during the occurrence of LEON is Wind Signal No. 3 or 4, especially in Batanes and Babuyan Islands. The hoisting of Wind Signal No. 5 is also not ruled out,” PAGASA said.
PAGASA forecasts that Leon will be in close proximity to Batanes on either Thursday early morning or noon. It could reach its peak and raise the chances of Leon reaching the super typhoon category.
Leon is predicted to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday afternoon or Friday early morning, heading over the Taiwan Strait and towards the East China Sea.
The location of Leon’s eye is estimated to be 565 km Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, moving West Northwestward at 10 km/h.
Below are the areas under Wind Signal No. 2:
- Batanes
- Babuyan Islands
- The eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Gattaran, Baggao, Lal-Lo, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Gonzaga, Santa Ana, Pe)
- The northeastern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, Palanan, Maconacon)
Additionally, these are the areas under Wind Signal No. 1
- The rest of mainland Cagayan
- The rest of Isabela
- Quirino
- Nueva Vizcaya
- Apayao
- Kalinga
- Abra
- Mountain Province
- Ifugao
- Benguet
- Ilocos Norte
- Ilocos Sur
- La Union
- Aurora
- The northern portion of Quezon, including Polillo Islands (General Nakar, Infanta, Real), Camarines Norte
- The eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Tinambac, Siruma, Goa, Lagonoy, San Jose, Garchitorena, Caramoan, Presentacion, Tigaon, Calabanga, Saglay)
- Catanduanes
- Eastern portion of Albay (Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, City of Tabaco, Tiwi, Malilipot, Malinao, Santo Domingo, Manito)
- Northeastern portion of Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, City of Sorsogon, Gubat)