Typhoon Leon (Kong-rey) Takes Center Stage: Is It a Show or Just Strong Winds?
Signal Nos. 1 and 2 are waving wildly due to Typhoon Leon (Kong-rey), as parts of Luzon still drown in the rains from this tropical mischief-maker.
Welcome to another episode of “Mother Nature’s Got Talent,” where Typhoon Leon is this week’s drama queen! You wouldn’t believe it, but this formidable beast threatened the Philippines while making its extravagant landfall over southeastern Taiwan. Honestly, it seems like this typhoon is doing Broadway tours. If you’re listening, Leon: hard pass on the encore!
The Show Must Go On
As of Thursday afternoon, October 31st, Leon was flaunting its elements—320 kilometers away from Itbayat, Batanes, or as close as it was in Chiayi County, Taiwan. This diva is moving northwest faster than a kid running away from broccoli—25 kilometers per hour to be precise. Is it just me, or does that sound suspiciously like the speed of your average person trying to escape a family function?
Now, let’s talk about those gusts! Leon’s maximum sustained winds have dropped from a terrifying 175 km/h to a less heart-stopping 155 km/h. But before you sigh in relief, remember—its gustiness has gone up! We’re now talking gusts reaching up to a hair-raising 255 km/h, which gives “windy day” a whole new meaning. Hold onto your hats, folks!
Signal Warnings: What’s the Weather Drama?
PAGASA, our reliable yet slightly judgmental weather bureau, announced that Signal Nos. 1 and 2 are still in full swing. This means gale-force winds are causing levels of concern ranging from “minor annoyance” to “please, for the love of all that is good, stay indoors.” Don’t worry; we’re all just watching the storm unfold, munching popcorn, and hoping for mostly low property damage.
Signal No. 2: Gale-force Winds (62 to 88 km/h, minor to moderate threat to life and property)
- northern part of Batanes (Itbayat)
Signal No. 1: Strong Winds (39 to 61 km/h, minimal to minor threat to life and property)
- rest of Batanes
- Babuyan Islands
- northern part of mainland Cagayan
- northern part of Ilocos Norte
At its peak, Leon flexed its muscles with the highest tropical cyclone wind signal—Signal No. 5—over some municipalities in Batanes. It may not have officially made landfall, but let’s say it popped by for a quick visit. Thanks, but no thanks, Leon!
The Rain Dance Continues
And for those wondering about the after-party weather? Well, pack your umbrellas and maybe a kayak because heavy to intense rain is on the menu—100 to 200 millimeters in Batanes and moderate rain elsewhere. Nothing says “good times” like potential floods and landslides! I mean, who doesn’t enjoy an uninvited muddy friend? It’s like Mother Nature’s way of saying, “Welcome to the chaos!”
Coastal Conditions: An Invitation to Rethink Your Beach Plans
On sea conditions, the bureau has issued its own “no-go zone” for almost all vessels due to high waves—think 7 meters high around Batanes! That’s not waves; that’s an open invitation for an aquatic roller coaster ride. Save the surfing for another day, folks!
Final Act
To encapsulate Tyler Leon’s performance—his arrival has left many areas scrambling under Signal No. 1 and 2 signs; meanwhile, he’s off to the East China Sea, likely to plot his next dramatic landfall. How very theatrical! Just a gentle reminder, Leon is the 12th tropical cyclone for the Philippines this year and the second shindig of October. Is it just me, or are these storms getting more attention than some A-list celebrities?
Stay safe, keep your pets inside, and let’s hope for a quick end to this weather drama before it wins all the awards! – Rappler.com
This HTML format combines wit and humor, while effectively communicating the nuances of Typhoon Leon’s impact, engaging readers in a conversational manner—but maybe not quite how a weatherman would handle it! Stay safe and entertained!
Signal Nos. 1 and 2 remain active as Typhoon Leon (Kong-rey) continues to influence several regions of the Philippines, bringing persistent rains on Thursday, October 31.
MANILA, Philippines – On the afternoon of Thursday, October 31, Typhoon Leon (Kong-rey) continued to exert its effects on various parts of Luzon, even as it made landfall in the southeastern region of neighboring Taiwan, which falls within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
As of 4 pm on Thursday, Leon was located approximately 320 kilometers north northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, nearing Chiayi County in Taiwan. The typhoon is maintaining a northwest trajectory at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour (km/h).
Expectations of further weakening were confirmed as the typhoon’s maximum sustained winds decreased to 155 km/h from an earlier measure of 175 km/h. At its peak intensity, Leon boasted super typhoon status with winds reaching 195 km/h.
However, its gustiness has increased, currently reaching up to 255 km/h, up from 215 km/h, indicating potential hazards in affected regions.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that after traversing Taiwan, Leon is expected to pivot northeast over the Taiwan Strait.
As it progresses into the East China Sea, Leon is anticipated to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday evening or early Friday morning, November 1. Notably, a second landfall in mainland China has not been ruled out during this phase.
The weather bureau has lifted Signal No. 3 in its most recent 5 pm bulletin. Below is a list of areas still under tropical cyclone wind signals.
Signal No. 2
Gale-force winds (62 to 88 km/h), minor to moderate threat to life and property
- northern part of Batanes (Itbayat)
Signal No. 1
Strong winds (39 to 61 km/h), minimal to minor threat to life and property
- rest of Batanes
- Babuyan Islands
- northern part of mainland Cagayan (Santa Praxedes, Sanchez-Mira, Claveria, Pamplona, Abulug, Ballesteros, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Gonzaga, Santa Teresita, Santa Ana)
- northern part of Ilocos Norte (Bangui, Burgos, Dumalneg, Adams, Pagudpud)
The highest tropical cyclone wind signal raised due to Leon was Signal No. 5, affecting the municipalities of Itbayat and Basco in Batanes. Although Leon did not make direct landfall in the Philippines, it passed dangerously close to Batanes during its super typhoon stage.
“The wind flow coming towards the circulation of Leon” is still contributing to strong to gale-force gusts impacting various areas:
Thursday, October 31
- most of Cordillera Administrative Region, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Northern Samar, most of Western Visayas
Friday, November 1
- Batanes, Babuyan Islands, northeastern mainland Cagayan, eastern Isabela
As for rainfall expectations, heavy to intense downpours (100-200 millimeters) are forecasted to persist in Batanes, while moderate to heavy rainfall (50-100 mm) will affect Babuyan Islands, the Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and Calamian Islands, potentially lasting until Friday afternoon. The possibility of floods and landslides remains a serious concern.
In addition, Batanes faces a moderate risk of “life-threatening” storm surges, with peak heights predicted to reach between 2 to 3 meters above normal tide levels in the next 48 hours. However, PAGASA has indicated that this risk is expected to diminish as Leon continues its trajectory away from the Philippines.
ALSO ON RAPPLER
For sea conditions in the next 24 hours, here is the weather bureau’s latest outlook:
Up to very rough or high seas (travel is risky for all vessels)
- Seaboard of Batanes – waves up to 7 meters high
- Seaboard of Babuyan Islands – waves up to 5 meters high
- Seaboard of Ilocos Norte – waves up to 4.5 meters high
Up to rough seas (small vessels should not venture out to sea)
- Eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan; seaboard of Ilocos Sur – waves up to 4 meters high
- Remaining seaboards of Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley – waves up to 3.5 meters high
- Western seaboard of Zambales; seaboard of northern Aurora; northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes – waves up to 3 meters high
Up to moderate seas (small vessels should take precautionary measures or avoid sailing, if possible)
- Seaboards of Kalayaan Islands and Camarines Norte; northern seaboard of Camarines Sur; eastern seaboards of Albay, Sorsogon, Eastern Samar, and Dinagat Islands; northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Samar – waves up to 2.5 meters high
- Western seaboards of Bataan, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, Calamian Islands, and mainland Palawan; eastern seaboards of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental; remaining seaboard of Aurora; northern and eastern seaboards of Polillo Islands – waves up to 2 meters high
Leon is the Philippines’ 12th tropical cyclone for 2024, and the second for October. – Rappler.com
Itions, the Philippine Coast Guard has advised fishermen and small craft operators to refrain from heading out due to large waves and adverse weather conditions created by Typhoon Leon. With wave heights predicted to reach up to 7 meters, it’s best to stay ashore unless you fancy a potentially perilous adventure on the open water.
As the storm continues its journey across Taiwan and into the East China Sea, it’s crucial for residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols. Having an emergency kit, securing loose outdoor items, and staying updated through reliable weather sources are all part of being prepared.
It’s also essential to look out for community announcements, as local governments may implement preemptive measures to ensure safety, especially in flood-prone zones.
while Typhoon Leon may be stealing the spotlight with its theatrics, our primary focus should be on safety and preparedness. With the storm expected to move away from the Philippines soon, let’s rally together and support one another in weathering this storm. Take care, and may the chaos bring us closer rather than take us down!
Stay safe, and remember: the weather may be wild, but we can weather it together! – Rappler.com
