Batanes now under Signal No. 4 as 'Leon' moves closer

Super Typhoon Leon is continuously heading closer to Batanes where Signal No. 4 is now raised, weather bureau PAGASA said on Wednesday afternoon.

PAGASA also noted that a high risk of storm surge in Batanes and Cagayan may occur in the next 48 hours. Residents are recommended to stay away from the coast, cancel marine activities, and continue being updated on weather forecasts.

Meanwhile, the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands and northeastern mainland Cagayan are under Signal No. 3.

Many other areas in Northern Luzon, Cagayan Valley Region and Cordillera Administrative Region also remain under Signals No. 2 and No. 1 as Leon continues to move northwestward at 20 kph.

As of 4 p.m. today, Leon is at 215 km east southeast of Basco, Batanes with sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph.

Experts are not ruling out a landfall scenario in Batanes and such may warrant the raising of Wind Signal No. 5 in the area. It will be closest in the province from late evening today to tomorrow morning, October 31.

Regions Signal no. 5 not ruled out as Leon further intensifies

Leon is expected to make landfall along the eastern cost of Taiwan tomorrow, and leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) the same day or on Friday early morning. 

Source: ABS-CBN News