Raised Signal No. 1 in Cagayan, Isabela, and Catanduanes as Typhoon Leon maintained its strength while slowing over the Philippine Sea, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) this Monday.
Under the typhoon signal are the eastern part of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Lal-Lo, Gattaran, Baggao, Santa Teresita, Gonzaga, and Peñablanca), the eastern part of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Ilagan City, San Pablo, Cabagan, Tumauini, Palanan, San Mariano, and Dinapigue), and the northeastern part of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, and Viga).
The center of Leon's eye was last seen about 840 kilometers (kms) east of Central Luzon with maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness reaching 105 kph, according to Pagasa.
At his 5 a.m. bulletin, the agency said that Leon's outer rainbands could severely affect Northern Luzon.
The trough or extension of the tropical storm may also affect areas in the Visayas, Mindanao, and the western part of Southern Luzon. Based on its track forecast, Leon may pass near Batanes on Wednesday or Thursday.
It is expected to gradually strengthen over the next 24 hours and may reach the severe tropical storm category by Monday afternoon, according to Pagasa.
