MANILA, Philippines Residents of northern Luzon braced for the fury of Typhoon Kong-rey (Philippine name Typhoon Leon) as the powerful storm approached the region on Wednesday, prompting authorities to raise the highest tropical cyclone alert level in several areas.
The Philippine weather bureau PAGASA reported that Kong-rey, had intensified into a super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of up to 150 mph (240 kph). The weather agency has hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 – the second-highest alert level – over the provinces of Batanes, the eastern Babuyan Islands, and the northeastern part of mainland Cagayan.
“This is an extremely dangerous situation,” said PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda. “We are urging residents in these areas to take all necessary precautions and follow instructions from local disaster officials.”
TCWS No. 2, the third-highest alert, was also raised over a broader swath of northern Luzon, including the rest of the Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, parts of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, and the northern and eastern sections of Abra and Mountain Province.
Forecasters warned that Kong-rey could unleash destructive winds, torrential rainfall, and life-threatening storm surges in the coming days as it barrels across the Luzon landmass. Power outages, flooding, and landslides are all major concerns.
“This is shaping up to be one of the strongest typhoons to hit the northern Philippines this year,” Castañeda said. “We cannot stress enough the importance of heeding all warnings and evacuation orders from local authorities.”
The Philippine government has been on high alert, deploying emergency response teams and prepositioning relief supplies in vulnerable areas. Residents have been advised to secure their homes, stock up on essential supplies, and be ready to evacuate if necessary.
With Kong-rey expected to make landfall in the next 24 to 36 hours, northern Luzon braces for a potentially devastating impact from this powerful and fast-moving typhoon.
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the following areas are under TCWS No. 3:
Batanes
the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Islands, Camiguin Island, Calayan Island)
the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana)
TCWS No. 2 is hoisted over the following areas:
the rest of Babuyan Islands
the rest of mainland Cagayan
the northern and eastern portions of Isabela (Santo Tomas, Santa Maria, Quezon, San Mariano, Naguilian, Dinapigue, Delfin Albano, San Pablo, Ilagan City, Benito Soliven, Tumauini, Cabagan, Palanan, Quirino, Divilacan, Gamu, Mallig, Maconacon, Burgos, City of Cauayan, San Guillermo, Angadanan, Cabatuan, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Roxas, Aurora, San Manuel)
Apayao
Kalinga
the northern and eastern portions of Abra (Tineg, Lacub, Malibcong, Lagayan, San Juan, Lagangilang, Licuan-Baay, Daguioman)
the eastern portion of Mountain Province (Paracelis)
Ilocos Norte