Leon now a tropical storm; heavy rains expected over Aurora, other areas

Tropical Depression Leon has intensified into a tropical storm and is expected to bring heavy rains over Aurora and other areas on Wednesday, PAGASA said in its 5 a.m. severe weather bulletin.

Moderate to heavy rains are forecast for Aurora, Rizal, Palawan (including Kalayaan, Calamian, and Cuyo Islands), Mindoro Provinces, Romblon, Western Visayas, and Negros Oriental due to Leon and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

The tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) previously raised over the Calamian Islands in Palawan has been lifted. No TCWS were in effect as of 5 a.m.

Intermittent gusts may however be felt in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Palawan (including Kalayaan, Calamian, and Cuyo Islands), Mindoro Provinces, Romblon, and Western Visayas.

Meanwhile, moderate to at times heavy rains are expected 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.

PAGASA warned the public of flooding and rain-induced landslides which may occur in floor- and landslide-prone areas during times of heavy or prolonged rainfall.

At 4 a.m., Leon was located at 225 km west northwest of Coron, Palawan or over the West Philippine Sea.

It has maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 80 km/h.

Leon is moving west northwest at 10 km/h and is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday morning.

Gale warning

A gale warning was raised over the western seaboard of Palawan (including Calamian and Kalayaan Islands) and Occidental Mindoro (including Lubang Island). Seas will be rough to very rough in these areas with waves reaching as tall as 4.5 meters. PAGASA said sea travel is risky over these areas.

Meanwhile, over the rest of the country, coastal waters will be moderate to rough with waves reaching as high as 3.1 meters. Those with small seacraft as well as fisherfolk were advised to take precaution when venturing out to sea.

The next severe weather bulletin will be issued at 11 a.m.

Sunrise will be at 5:45 a.m. while sunset will be at 5:57 p.m. —KG, GMA News