THE state weather bureau on Sunday said Tropical Storm Leon (international name: Kong-rey) is expected to intensify into a severe tropical storm as it moves over the Philippine Sea.
“This tropical cyclone is expected to gradually intensify in the next 24 hours and may reach severe tropical storm category tomorrow and typhoon category on Tuesday,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in an 11 a.m. bulletin.
It added that the tropical storm may also undergo rapid intensification during the forecast period.
The agency said that a Tropical Wind Signal no. 1 may be hoisted over the portions of Cagayan Valley and the northeastern portion of Bicol Region by Sunday night or Monday.
“The highest wind signal which may be hoisted during the occurrence of Leon is wind signal no. 2,” PAGASA said.
Leon is not expected to make landfall over the country. It was last seen 1,075 kilometers east of Central Luzon, moving in a westward direction.
It was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 80 kph.
PAGASA added the Leon is forecast to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday (Oct. 30). — Adrian H. Alternate
