Signal No. 1 up over parts of Cagayan, Isabela, Catanduanes due to Leon

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised on Monday morning in parts of Cagayan, Isabela, and Catanduanes due to Tropical Storm Leon (international name: Kong-Rey), according to PAGASA.

TCWS No. 1 was hoisted at 5 a.m. over:

• the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Lal-Lo, Gattaran, Baggao, Santa Teresita, Gonzaga, Peñablanca);
• the eastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Ilagan City, San Pablo, Cabagan, Tumauini, Palanan, San Mariano, Dinapigue); and
• the northeastern portion of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga).

The above-mentioned areas will have strong winds ranging from 39 to 61 km/h in 36 hours, which may pose minimal to minor threat to life and property.

At 4 a.m. Monday, the center of Leon was estimated to be located at 840 km east of Central Luzon.

Leon has maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 105 km/h, and central pressure of 990 hPa.

It is moving westward at 10 km/h.

From its center, strong to gale-force winds are extending outwards up to 520 km.

"Leon maintains its strength as it decelerates over the Philippine Sea," PAGASA said.

Rainfall

The weather bureau said the outer rainbands of Leon may affect Extreme Northern Luzon depending on how close it will be while moving north northwestward over the Philippine Sea.

Visayas, Mindanao, and the western section of Southern Luzon may also be affected by the trough or extension of Leon.

Winds

PAGASA said the highest TCWS that may be raised for Leon is TCWS No. 2 or 3, "but this may still change depending on how close the tropical cyclone will be during its north northwestward movement over the sea east of Batanes."

Gusty conditions (strong to gale-force) may also be expected over the following areas, especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds, due to the wind flow coming towards the circulation of Leon: Batangas, most of MIMAROPA, most of Bicol Region, Visayas, most of Northern Mindanao, and most of Caraga Region.

Coastal waters

Very rough seas are forecast over the seaboard of Batanes, making sea travel risky for all types or tonnage of vessels.

Rough seas may be expected over:

• the seaboard of Babuyan Islands and Isabela;
• the eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan;
• the seaboards of northern Aurora and Camarines Norte;
• the remaining seaboard of mainland Cagayan;
• the northern and eastern seaboards of Polillo Islands, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes; and
• the northeastern seaboards of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar

"Mariners of small seacrafts, including all types of motorbancas, are advised not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels," PAGASA said.

Meanwhile, coastal waters will be moderate over:

• the northern seaboard of Ilocos Norte;
• the remaining seaboard of Aurora and Northern Samar;
• the northern and eastern seaboards of Quezon including the remaining seaboards of Polillo islands;
• the eastern seaboards of Albay and Sorsogon; and
• the remaining seaboards of the country.

"Mariners of motorbancas and similarly-sized vessels are advised to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigation under these conditions," PAGASA advised.

Track, intensity outlook

"LEON is forecast to move westward for the next 12 hours before turning west northwestward tomorrow (29 October) early morning," the weather bureau said.

It may pass closely over the area of Batanes by Wednesday or Thursday.

Leon is seen to make landfall over Taiwan by early morning of Friday, then head towards the East China Sea.

As for intensity, Leon may gradually intensify and become a severe tropical storm by Monday afternoon.

PAGASA advised the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned to take all necessary measures to protect life and property.

The next bulletin will be issued by PAGASA at 11 a.m. —KG, GMA Integrated News