Tropical storm "Leon" (international name: "Noul") has already left the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) early Thursday but continued to slightly enhance the southwest monsoon or "habagat."
In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated the location of "Leon" at 360 kilometers north of Kalayaan Islands in Palawan. It has maintained its strength of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 105 kph.
PAGASA said "Leon" will continue to move west-northwest until Thursday afternoon then turn west on Thursday evening or Friday morning before its landfall over northern or central Vietnam on Friday afternoon or evening.
While it no longer has direct effect over the Philippines, "Leon" continues to enhance the "habagat," bringing occasional strong winds and light to at times heavy rains over the western section of the country.
Gusts of wind will prevail in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, and Aklan.
Meanwhile, light to moderate with occasional heavy rains may affect Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, Aurora, Quezon, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Visayas.
PAGASA advised the public to remain vigilant against possible flooding and rain-induced landslides during heavy or prolonged rainfall, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards.
A gale warning is still in effect over the western seaboards of Palawan including Kalayaan Islands, Occidental Mindoro, Zambales, and Bataan due to rough to very rough seas with waves that may reach 2.8 to 4.5 meters.
Sea travel remains risky for fisherfolk and those using small boats in these coasts.
Meanwhile, moderate to rough seas with waves reaching 1.2 to 3.1 meters will prevail over the seaboards of the rest of the country.
Those using small boats were advised to take precaution when venturing out to sea.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have improved weather but chances of isolated rain showers and localized thunderstorms are still highly likely in the afternoon or evening.
The public should take extra precaution in the event of severe thunderstorms as these may cause flash floods or landslides.