Tropical storm Leon (international name: Kong-Rey), which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the evening of October 26, is expected to gradually intensify as it moves westward over the Philippine Sea today, reported the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Based on information from the government meteorological agency at 11 am local time today, October 27, the center of tropical storm Leon was located 1,075 km east of Central Luzon with a maximum wind speed of 65 km/h near the center and gusts up to 80 km/h while moving westward at a speed of 30 km/h.
"Depending on how close it will be to the north-northwest path over the Philippine Sea, external rainbands of Leon could affect the northernmost part of Luzon. Moreover, it may continue to influence the southwest monsoon, originally caused by the tropical storm Trami (formerly 'Kristine'), which could affect Visayas, Mindanao, and the western part of Southern Luzon," PAGASA stated.
As of the moment of publication, PAGASA has not raised any wind signals; however, signal number 1 of the tropical cyclone may be raised over parts of Cagayan Valley and the northeastern part of the Bicol region as early as tonight or tomorrow, possibly on Monday, at the latest.
PAGASA noted that depending on how close Leon will be to its north-northwest path over the Philippine Sea, a higher wind signal that may be raised is Signal No. 2.
It also added that strong to severe gusty conditions will be experienced in Palawan, Romblon, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, a large part of Visayas, the islands of Dinagat, Surigao del Norte, and Camiguin today.
"Based on the forecast path, Leon remains far from the land areas of the Philippines and may pass very close to or exit the storm warning area south-westward of Ryukyu, Japan. However, the forecast path may still shift further west, but within the cone of forecast confidence, especially on day-4 and day-5 of the forecast path," PAGASA stated.
Tropical storm Leon is expected to gradually strengthen in the next 24 hours. It may reach the category of a strong tropical storm by tomorrow, on Monday, and the category of a typhoon by Tuesday.
