Super Typhoon Leon intensifies with winds up to 185 kph, signals raised over Batanes

Super Typhoon Leon (international name: Kong-Rey) has intensified with winds reaching up to 185 kilometers per hour near its center, gustiness up to 230 kph, and a central pressure of 925 hPa.

PAGASA maintains Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 over Batanes, while Signal No. 5 is hoisted in Itbayat and Basco due to the risk of very strong winds that can cause severe damage.

Forecast models predict Leon will be closest to Batanes late Wednesday night through Thursday morning with a possible landfall not ruled out.

PAGASA advises immediate evacuation for residents under Wind Signal Nos. 3, 4, and 5 in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and northeastern mainland Cagayan due to expected heavy rainfall until Thursday night.