“Leon” is now a severe tropical storm on Monday and is expected to bring rains and strong winds in northern Luzon from Tuesday (October 28) to Friday (November) 1, potentially spoiling the Undas holiday in that area.

Northern Luzon is a popular destination among those taking vacation breaks during the Undas holidays.

Leon is can also become a super typhoon once it approaches the Batanes area.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that Leon has intensified into a severe tropical storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center and gusts of up to 115 kph.

“Although Leon’s effect is minimal in Metro Manila, there are those who would be traveling to Northern Luzon during the long weekend. They should be extra careful, especially those who would be using small boats,” PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel said in a press conference.

As of 10 a.m. on Monday, the storm was located 735 kilometers (km) east of Casiguran, Aurora or 780 km. east of Echague, Isabela, moving westward at 20 kph.

The severe storm is expected to bring rains across Northern Luzon beginning Tuesday afternoon until Nov. 1, but its rains are not expected to be heavy to torrential.

Leon will also bring strong winds as it is forecast to reach the super typhoon category during its closest approach to Batanes.

The weather bureau said a landfall by Leon or close approach scenario on Batanes is not ruled out.

Leon is expected to make landfall along the eastern coast of Taiwan on Thursday and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday.

Tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 is hoisted over Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, the eastern portion of Mountain Province (Natonin, Paracelis), the eastern portion of Ifugao (Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista), the eastern portion of Quirino (Maddela), the northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan), and the northern portion of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto).

Gusty conditions due to Leon will continue to prevail over Batangas, most of Mimaropa, most of Bicol Region, the Visayas, most of Northern Mindanao, and most of Caraga Region.

(SCREENGRAB FROM PAGASA)