“Leon” develops into tropical storm; no tropical cyclone wind signal raised but intermittent gusts, heavy rains expected in parts of PHL

“Leon” has intensified into a tropical storm. No tropical cyclone wind signal, however, is raised ber any part of the country./PAGASA/

(Eagle News)–“Leon” has intensified into a tropical storm as it moved west-northwest over the West Philippine Sea.

“Leon,” which is located 225 kilometers west northwest of Coron, Palawan, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph, is forecast to reach the severe tropical storm category within 24 hours and the typhoon category within 48 hours.

No tropical cyclone wind signal is currently in effect, but intermittent gusts may be experienced over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Palawan (including Kalayaan, Calamian, and Cuyo Islands), Mindoro Provinces, Romblon, and Western Visayas.

“Leon” and the southwest monsoon, PAGASA said, will bring moderate to heavy rains over Aurora, Rizal, Palawan (including Kalayaan, Calamian, and Cuyo Islands), Mindoro Provinces, Romblon, Western Visayas, and Negros Oriental.

Light to moderate with at times heavy rains will be experienced over Bicol Region, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Metro Manila, Isabela, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the rest of Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Visayas.

“Flooding and rain-induced landslide may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards,” PAGASA said.

A gale warning is also raised over the western seaboard of Palawan (including Calamian and Kalayaan Islands) and Occidental Mindoro, which means rough to very rough seas are expected.

Sea travel is risky over these areas.

Moderate to rough seas are expected to prevail over the northern, eastern and southern seaboards of Luzon, and the seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao.

Fisherfolk and those with small seacraft are advised against venturing out to sea.

“Leon” is expected to  exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility tomorrow morning.

It is then expected to turn westward beginning tomorrow afternoon and will head towards Vietnam.