Severe Tropical Storm (STS) “Leon” (international name: Kong-Rey) is nearing the typhoon category as it slightly intensified, according to the the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The weather bureau said on Tuesday that Leon could reach the typhoon category in the next 12 hours.

“There is an increasing chance that Leon will reach the super typhoon category during its period of closest approach to Batanes,” the Philippine Atmospheric, PAGASA said, adding that there is a possibility of Leon making landfall over Batanes.

Leon now has maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph. As of 4 a.m. of Tuesday, the cyclone was located 645 km. east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

The severe storm is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday or Friday.

As of early Tuesday, tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 is hoisted over Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, 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), the eastern portion of Northern Samar (San Roque, Pambujan, Catubig, Laoang, Palapag, Gamay, Lapinig, Mapanas, Mondragon) and the northern portion of Eastern Samar (Jipapad, Arteche, Oras, San Policarpo).

Strong winds will prevail in these areas.

Leon is also forecast to bring strong to gale-force gusts over Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimarope, Bicol Region, the Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Camiguin.

Sea travel is risky for all types or tonnage of vessels, according to PAGASA.

(PHOTO FROM PIA)