Typhoon Leon Intensifies: What Northern Luzon Residents Need to Know

As All Souls’ Day (locally known as Undas) approaches, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has urged travelers heading to North Luzon to stay cautious as Typhoon Leon moves closer to the region. The typhoon is expected to affect travel conditions until Friday, 1 Nov 2024, with PAGASA warning that Northern Luzon may experience intense weather over the long weekend.

What travellers need to know about Typhoon Leon

In its latest advisory, PAGASA has issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 for areas including Batanes, Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, northern and eastern Isabela, northern Kalinga, Apayao, northern Abra, and Ilocos Norte. The agency advises that travelers keep an eye on alerts, as Typhoon Leon may intensify, with Signal No. 3 or Signal No. 4 expected to be raised in some areas—particularly Batanes and Babuyan Islands. PAGASA even suggests that Signal No. 5 remains a possibility as the storm gathers strength.

Typhoon Leon is projected to shift northwestward by Wednesday, October 30, bringing it close to Batanes, where it could develop into a super typhoon. PAGASA expects the typhoon to reach or near super typhoon status as it approaches Batanes, and it may exit the Philippine area of responsibility by late October 31 or early November 1, potentially sparing the region from a prolonged impact.

PAGASA also warns that Leon’s effects could extend to other parts of Luzon, causing gusty conditions in Metro Manila, Bataan, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA, with coastal and mountainous regions particularly vulnerable. Low-lying coastal communities, particularly in Batanes and the Babuyan Islands, face a moderate to high risk of storm surges as Leon's waves are expected to reach heights of up to 10 meters. Consequently, a gale warning has been issued for Northern Luzon and the eastern coastlines of Central and Southern Luzon, making sea travel dangerous for all vessel types.

Typhoon Leon is the second recent storm to bring displacement and damage across the Philippines, with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reporting that 1.7 million families have been affected or displaced by both Typhoon Leon and its predecessor, Tropical Depression Kristine. The death toll from the two storms currently stands at 111.

Also read: Tropical Storm Bebinca to Enter PAR: What Travellers Need to Know

For those planning to travel, PAGASA reminds the public to remain alert to weather updates and follow safety precautions, especially given the forecast for intense wind and rain. With Typhoon Leon on course to affect parts of North Luzon, PAGASA encourages travellers to stay informed and plan for potentially delayed or altered travel routes if necessary.

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