Leon becomes super typhoon

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration PAGASA) warned of a high risk of storm surge in Northern Luzon as Super Typhoon Leon passes over the Philippine Sea.

- ROMINA CABRERA

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 4 has been raised over Batanes, with winds greater than 118 to 184 kilometers per hour expected.

PAGASA said the storm surge could be more than three meters high in the provinces of Batanes and Cagayan.

“There is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising sea water along with high waves in the lowlying coastal communities,” PAGASA said.

It warned of significant damage to communities in low-lying coastal areas in Basco, Itbayat, Ivana, Mahatao, Sabtang, Uyugan in Batanes, as well as in Calayan in Cagayan.

PAGASA said the hoisting of wind signal No. 5 has not been ruled out. Leon (KongRey) was forecast to make close approach or make landfall in Batanes last night or this morning and will be near or at peak intensity during its closest approach.

Signal No. 3 was hoisted over the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan.

Meanwhile, signal No.2 was raised over the rest of Babuyan Islands, the rest of mainland Cagayan, northern portion of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, northern and eastern portions of Abra and the eastern portion of Mountain Province (Paracelis) and Ilocos Norte.