Typhoon Leon’s track. Image from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
MANILA, Philippines — Leon (international name: Kong-Rey), which reached the super typhoon category, has weakened into a typhoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Thursday.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the state weather bureau said Leon is expected to weaken further throughout the forecast period due to a marginally favorable environment and increasing land interaction with Taiwan.
Despite Leon moving away from the Philippine landmass, tropical cyclone wind signals remained in some areas of the country.
GRAPHIC: Ed Lustan
Signal No. 3
- Batanes
Signal No. 2:
- Babuyan Islands
Signal No. 1:
- Mainland Cagayan
- Isabela
- Apayao
- Abra
- Kalinga
- Mountain Province
- Ifugao
- The northern portion of Benguet (Mankayan, Bakun, Buguias)
- Ilocos Norte
- Ilocos Sur
READ: LIVE UPDATES: Super Typhoon Leon
Pagasa said Leon’s eye was last seen 155 km north of Itbayat, Batanes. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 215 kph while moving northwestward at 25 kph.
“Leon is forecast to make landfall along the eastern coast of Taiwan [on Thursday] afternoon. After crossing the landmass of Taiwan, Leon will then turn northeastward over Taiwan Strait towards the East China Sea and exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday night or Friday early morning,” Pagasa said.