Tropical Storm Leon to intensify in 24 hours

Tropical Storm Leon is expected to intensify in the next 24 hours after entering the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

- By BELLA CARIASO

Leon entered PAR at 7:30 p.m. Saturday but remained far from the Philippine landmass yesterday.

"This tropical cyclone is expected to gradually intensify in the next 24 hours and may reach severe tropical storm category (by Monday) and typhoon category on Tuesday. This tropical cyclone may also undergo rapid intensification," PAGASA added.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the tropical storm with international name Kong-Rey was located 1,000 kilometers east of Central Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 90 km per hour as it moves westward at 20 kph.