Tropical Storm “Leon” could intensify in the next 24 hours and may reach the severe tropical storm category by Monday afternoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday.

PAGASA earlier said that Leon could also intensify into a typhoon.

Leon has maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 105 kph. It was last seen 840 kilometers east of Central Luzon.

It is seen bringing gusty winds over many parts of the country, while several areas in mainland Cagayan were placed under tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) No. 1.

According to PAGASA, Leon is forecast to pass closely over the Batanes area by Wednesday or Thursday.

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

Strong to gale-force winds are seen affecting Batangas, most of Mimaropa, most of the Bicol Region, the Visayas, most of Northern Mindanao, and most of the Caraga Region due to Leon.

Depending on how close Leon is it moves north-northwestward over the Philippine Sea, its outer rainbands could affect extreme Northern Luzon. Further, it may also affect Visayas and Mindanao.

(PHOTO FROM PAGASA)