Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 17) – Tropical storm Leon (international name: Noul) maintained its strength on Wednesday as it gradually moved away from the country, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.
PAGASA’s 11 p.m. update said Leon will move west- northwestward of the West Philippine Sea. It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on early Thursday, it said..
As of 10 p.m., Leon was located 550 kilometers west northwest of Coron, Palawan, as it sustained winds of 85 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 105 km/h, according to the state weather bureau.
No area in the country is under a tropical cyclone wind signal warning but intermittent gusts due to the southwest monsoon may be experienced over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, and Zamoanga Peninsula.
Leon has also enhanced the effects of southwest monsoon over MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula, which will experience light to moderate with at times heavy rains.
PAGASA warned against flooding and rain-induced landslides which may still occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards.
Some barangays in Cebu City reported incidents of flooding and minor landslides due to heavy rains. No casualties were reported so far.
Leon is the second tropical depression to enter the country in September, after Typhoon Kristine.
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