“Leon” (international name Kong-Rey) has intensified into a typhoon on Tuesday afternoon and may reach super typhoon category at its peak intensity during its close approach to Batanes later this week.

The typhoon now packs maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Leon was located 555 km east of Tuguegarao City in Cagayan as of Tuesday afternoon.
“There is a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surge in the next 48 hours over the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Batanes and Babuyan Islands,” PAGASA said.

Gale-force winds will prevail in areas under tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) no. 2: Batanes, Babuyan Islands, the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Gattaran, Baggao, Lal-Lo, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Gonzaga, Santa Ana, Pe), and the northeastern portion of Isabela (Divilacan, Palanan, Maconacon).

TCWS No. 1 is still hoisted over 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, the northern portion of Quezon including Polillo Islands (General Nakar, Infanta, Real), Camarines Norte, the eastern portion of Camarines Sur (Tinambac, Siruma, Goa, Lagonoy, San Jose, Garchitorena, Caramoan, Presentacion, Tigaon, Calabanga, Saglay), Catanduanes, the eastern portion of Albay (Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, City of Tabaco, Tiwi, Malilipot, Malinao, Santo Domingo, Manito), and the northeastern portion of Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, City of Sorsogon, Gubat).

Leon is forecast to bring gusty winds in Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, the Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Camiguin.
Gale warning is still hoisted over the seaboard of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon.

Sea travel is risky all types or tonnage of vessels.

(PHOTO FROM PNA)