Tropical cyclone wind Signal No. 2 has been raised in four areas in Cagayan Valley as “Leon” (international name: Kong-rey) strengthened into a typhoon, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its 11 a.m. bulletin on Tuesday, Oct. 29.

Signal No. 2 is currently in effect in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Gattaran, Baggao, Lal-Lo, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Gonzaga, Santa Ana, Pe), and northeastern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, Palanan, Maconacon).

Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 remains in effect in 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, northernportion of Quezon including Polillo Islands (General Nakar, Infanta, Real), Camarines Norte, 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), and northeastern portion of Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, City of Sorsogon, Gubat).

PAGASA expects that Signal No. 3 or 4 may be raised as Leon continues to intensify and approach the extreme Northern Luzon. 

However, there remains a possibility that Signal No. 5 could be raised if Leon develops into a super typhoon. A super typhoon has a maximum wind speed of over 185 kph.

As of 11 a.m., the typhoon has maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) near its center and gusts reaching 160 kph.

The center of the typhoon was located 555 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, moving west-northwestward at 10 kph.

PAGASA said Leon will be closest to Batanes between early morning and noon on Thursday, Oct. 31.

While Leon is currently moving generally toward Taiwan, there is an increasing likelihood of a westward shift in its forecast track, which means landfall in Batanes cannot be ruled out.

Rainfall outlook

Based on PAGASA’s three-day rainfall forecast, moderate to torrential rainfall is expected in parts of Luzon and Visayas.

From Tuesday to Wednesday, Oct. 30, intense to torrential rainfall (over 200 millimeters) may affect Batanes, Cagayan, and Babuyan Islands.

Heavy to intense rainfall (100 to 200 millimeters) is expected over Ilocos Norte, Apayao, Isabela, Occidental Mindoro, and Antique, moderate to heavy rains (50 to 100 millimeters) may be experienced in Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga, Calamian Islands, Romblon, Negros Occidental, and Aklan.

From Wednesday noon to Thursday noon, intense to torrential will likely continue in Batanes, Cagayan, and Babuyan Islands.

Ilocos Norte, Apayao, Isabela, Calamian Islands, Occidental Mindoro, and Antique may also experience heavy to intense rains, while Ilocos Sur, Abra, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Romblon, and Aklan may receive moderate to heavy rainfall.

From Thursday noon to Friday noon, Nov. 1, Batanes and Babuyan Islands may continue to experience intense totorrential rainfall.

Heavy to intense rains are also expected in mainland Cagayan, Calamian Islands, and Occidental Mindoro, while moderate to heavy precipitation may prevail over Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Romblon, and Antique.

PAGASA said Leon is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday or Friday.