Typhoon Kong-Rey, locally known as Leon in the Philippines, has rapidly intensified over the Philippine Sea and is set to impact northern Luzon and Taiwan over the coming days. This powerful storm, fueled by the Philippine Sea effect, has become a significant weather event, and many communities in its path are bracing for its effects. In this article, we’ll break down the storm’s current status, expected path, and what you need to prepare for.
What Is the Philippine Sea Effect?
Before diving into the specifics of Typhoon Leon, let’s talk about the Philippine Sea effect—a phenomenon that plays a huge role in the intensification of tropical cyclones in this region. Every year, tropical systems that pass over the warm waters of the Philippine Sea undergo rapid intensification. This is due to the combination of warm sea surface temperatures, low wind shear, and ample moisture in the atmosphere.
In the case of Typhoon Leon, we’ve seen this storm quickly strengthen from a tropical storm to nearly super typhoon status in under 24 hours. This kind of rapid intensification is not uncommon in the Philippine Sea, and it is one of the main reasons why storms here are so dangerous and unpredictable.
Current Status of Typhoon Kong-Rey (Leon)
Since the last update, Typhoon Leon has significantly strengthened. It now features a large, well-defined eye and a massive wind field. This means the storm’s power extends far beyond its center, with strong winds and rain bands reaching areas hundreds of kilometers away from the eye.
Currently, Leon’s winds are estimated to be around 120 knots—just under the threshold for a super typhoon, which requires winds of 130 knots or more. While it has not yet reached that level, it remains a potent and dangerous storm.
The storm’s center is expected to miss northeastern Luzon, but its outer rain bands and wind field will affect parts of northern Luzon, particularly the Batanes and Babuyan Islands. Tropical storm-strength winds and heavy rains are expected in these areas, which could lead to flooding and dangerous conditions, especially for communities still recovering from previous storms.
Expected Path: Why Is the Storm Turning North?
Typhoon Leon is making an unusual turn towards the north. Typically, during this time of year, typhoons in the Western Pacific tend to follow a more westerly path, often making landfall in the Philippines or continuing westward toward Vietnam or southern China. However, Leon is taking a different route, and the reason lies in the jet stream and a weakening West Pacific High.
Earlier storms, like Typhoon Christine, were steered westward by a strong high-pressure system in the Western Pacific, which extended far enough to push storms directly toward Luzon. In Leon’s case, this high has weakened, allowing a trough (a dip in the jet stream) to form, guiding the storm northward toward Taiwan. This change in the atmospheric setup has kept Leon from making direct landfall in the Philippines, though its effects will still be felt.
Impacts on Northern Luzon
Even though the storm’s center will miss the Philippines, its large wind field means northern Luzon will still feel its effects. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has already issued Signal Force 2 for parts of northern Luzon, including Cagayan, Isabela, Abra, and Ilocos Norte. This indicates that tropical storm-force winds (up to 100 km/h) are expected in these areas.
Further south, areas like the Bicol region and Catanduanes are under Signal Force 1, which means winds of 30 to 60 km/h could still cause damage, particularly to weaker structures or trees. Rainfall is also a concern, especially in areas that have already experienced heavy rains from previous weather systems like Typhoon Christine.
In addition to wind and rain, coastal areas, especially around the mouth of the Cagayan River, may experience storm surges. Residents in low-lying or coastal areas should be prepared for the possibility of flooding.
Taiwan Braces for Impact
Unfortunately, the storm’s northward turn means that Taiwan is directly in its path. The southeastern part of Taiwan, particularly around Taitung, is expected to experience the most severe impacts, including typhoon-force winds and very heavy rainfall.
The eastern coast of Taiwan is known for receiving extraordinary amounts of rain during typhoons due to the island’s mountainous terrain. As the storm’s winds push moisture up the slopes of Taiwan’s central mountain range, the air cools and condenses, leading to intense rainfall. In this case, forecasts predict 300 to 1000 millimeters of rain in some areas—a staggering amount that could easily lead to landslides and flash floods.
While cities like Taipei will be more sheltered from the storm’s direct impacts due to their location on the northern side of the island, they are still expected to experience gusty winds and some rainfall, particularly from the storm’s outer bands.
Preparing for the Storm
Whether you’re in northern Luzon or Taiwan, it’s important to stay prepared as Typhoon Leon continues its approach. Here are some key steps you can take to stay safe:
- Monitor Official Weather Updates: Stay tuned to updates from PAGASA, Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau, and other reliable sources. These updates will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on the storm’s path and intensity.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Strong winds can bring down power lines, so make sure you have flashlights, extra batteries, and a way to charge your devices.
- Secure Loose Items: If you live in an area expecting strong winds, secure any loose items outside, such as patio furniture, plants, or other objects that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Evacuate If Necessary: If local authorities issue evacuation orders, follow them immediately. Have an emergency bag packed with essentials like food, water, and important documents in case you need to leave quickly.
- Flood Precautions: If you live in a flood-prone area, move valuable items to higher ground and make sure your home is as flood-resistant as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Typhoon Kong-Rey (Leon)
1. How strong is Typhoon Leon?
As of the latest update, Typhoon Leon has winds of around 120 knots (approximately 220 km/h). While this is not quite super typhoon status, it is very close and still a powerful storm capable of causing significant damage.
2. Will Typhoon Leon make landfall in the Philippines?
No, the storm’s center is expected to miss the Philippines. However, northern parts of Luzon, particularly the Batanes and Babuyan Islands, will still experience tropical storm-force winds and heavy rains from the outer bands of the typhoon.
3. Why is the storm turning north toward Taiwan?
The storm is turning north due to a weakening in the West Pacific High, a system that usually pushes typhoons westward. This weakening has allowed a trough in the jet stream to guide Typhoon Leon toward Taiwan.
4. What areas of Taiwan will be affected?
The southeastern part of Taiwan, including Taitung, is expected to experience the worst impacts from Typhoon Leon. The eastern coast may see 300 to 1000 millimeters of rain, which could lead to landslides and flash flooding. Even areas like Taipei will likely see gusty winds and some rainfall.
5. What should I do to prepare for the typhoon?
It’s important to stay informed by following official updates and taking precautions like securing loose items, preparing for potential power outages, and following any evacuation orders if necessary.
As Typhoon Kong-Rey (Leon) continues its path toward Taiwan, it’s crucial for everyone in affected areas to stay prepared and vigilant. While the storm may not make landfall in the Philippines, its impacts will still be felt across northern Luzon. Stay safe, and keep following updates from official sources to ensure you have the latest information.