Super Typhoon Leon may cause storm surge in Batanes, Cagayan

Super Typhoon Leon. Image from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration.

MANILA, Philippines — The state weather bureau on Wednesday warned that Super Typhoon Leon (international name: Kong-Rey) may cause storm surge in Batanes and Cagayan.

A storm surge refers to the abnormal rise in sea level that occurs during tropical cyclones, which result in flooding.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the storm surge may occur within the next 24 hours due to rising seawater along with high waves in the following areas:

• Batanes (Basco, Itbayat, Ivana, Mahato, Sabtang, Uyugan) and
• Cagayan (Calayan)

Pagasa has advised residents to stay away from the coast or beach, cancel all marine activities, and follow the regular updates of the state weather bureau.

As of posting, Signal No. 4 is currently raised over Batanes, while Signal No. 3 is up in the northeastern portion of Cagayan.

Leon was last spotted 310 kilometers east of Calayan, Cagayan. It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 230 kph.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Severe Tropical Storm Leon