Super Typhoon Leon to bring heavy rains over Northern Luzon

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

MANILA, Philippines — As Super Typhoon Leon (international name: Kong-Rey) moves closer to Batanes islands, heavy rainfall is expected over several areas in Northern Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

In its 5 p.m. typhoon bulletin, Pagasa said intense to torrential rains (200 millimeters or greater) are expected over Batanes and Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands until Thursday, Oct. 31.

Heavy to intense rains (100 to 200 mm) are expected over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Apayao, Abra, Isabela, Occidental Mindoro, Calamian Islands, and Antique.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rains (with 50 to 100 mm) are anticipated over Kalinga, Benguet, Mountain Province, La Union, Pangasinan and Negros Occidental in the same period.

“Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in areas with significant antecedent rainfall,” Pagasa said.

Leon was last spotted 215 kilometers east southeast of Basco, Batanes. It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 230 kph while moving northwestward at 20 kph.