Tropical storm Leon (international name Kong-Rey) has maintained its strength while decelerating over the Philippine Sea Monday, weather bureau PAGASA said.

Leon lurches westward, putting 3 areas under Signal No. 1

Tropical storm Leon enters Philippine area

As of 4 a.m., the center of tropical storm Leon was estimated based on all available data at 840 km East of Central Luzon.

Packing 85 kph winds near the center and gusts of up to 105 kph, it is presently moving westward at 10 kph, with strong to gale-force winds extending outwards up to 520 km from the center.

"Malakas ito at maulan," PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

Tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1, indicating strong winds, is hoisted over the following areas in Luzon:

The eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Lal-Lo, Gattaran, Baggao, Santa Teresita, Gonzaga, Peñablanca), 

the eastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Ilagan City, San Pablo, Cabagan, Tumauini, Palanan, San Mariano, Dinapigue), 

Northeastern portion of Catanduanes (Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga)

Leon is expected to gradually intensify in the next 24 hours and may reach severe tropical storm category by this afternoon. “This tropical cyclone may also undergo rapid intensification,” the weather bureau said.

On the track forecast, Leon may pass closely over Batanes area by Wednesday or Thursday.

PAGASA said outer rainbands of Leon may affect extreme Northern Luzon depending on how close it will be during its north northwestward movement over the Philippine Sea.

The trough of Leon may also affect the areas of Visayas, Mindanao, and the western section of Southern Luzon. 

Wind flow coming towards the circulation of Tropical Storm Leon will also bring gusty conditions over the following areas (especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds:

• Today (28 October): Batangas, most of MIMAROPA, most of Bicol Region, Visayas, most of Northern Mindanao, and most of Caraga Region.

• Tomorrow (29 October): Aurora, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Camiguin.

• Wednesday (30 October): Aurora, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Negros Occidental, and Northern Samar.