Batanes downgraded to Signal No. 4 as 'Leon' keeps strength
MANILA, Philippines — Batanes has been downgraded to Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 as Super Typhoon Leon (international name: Kong-Rey) advances northwestward near Batanes.
As of 7 a.m. on Thursday, October 31, PAGASA reported that Leon was spotted 110 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.
Super Typhoon Leon is carrying peak winds of 195 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 240 kilometers per hour and a central pressure of 920 hPa.
The following areas are under tropical cyclone wind signals:
Signal No. 4
Residents here may face a significant threat to life and property due to Leon's winds, which range from 118 kph to 184 kph.
Signal No. 3
Storm-force winds, ranging from 89 kph to 117 kph, may result in moderate to significant impacts in the area.
Signal No. 2
Gale-force winds, ranging from 62 kph to 88 kph, could potentially cause minor to moderate impacts in these areas.
Signal No. 1
Areas under Signal No. 1 may experience possible minimal to minor impacts from strong winds, ranging from 39 kph to 61 kph.
The state weather bureau reported that although no wind signals have been raised for the following areas, they will still experience "gusty conditions" on Thursday
The gusty conditions are expected to persist on Friday, November 1, affecting the following areas:
Residents of Batanes and the Babuyan Islands are facing a high risk of life-threatening storm surge within the next 48 hours, with wave heights expected to exceed 3 meters above normal tide levels.
A gale warning has been issued for the seaboard of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Central Luzon.
PAGASA advised mariners of dangerous sea conditions, warning that travel poses risks for smaller vessels, such as motorbancas, in the following areas:
PAGASA reported that Super Typhoon Leon is expected to make landfall on the eastern coast of Taiwan by Thursday afternoon.
After crossing Taiwan, the storm will move toward the East China Sea and exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday night or Friday morning.
There is also a chance Leon could make a second landfall in mainland China.
The state weather bureau said that Leon has