Super Typhoon Leon (international name Kong-Rey) has weakened into a typhoon yet remains a threat across Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday.

“Leon continues to impact mainly Northern Luzon, with its trough likely bringing rains across the island,” PAGASA forecaster Veronica Torres said in a briefing around noon.

As of 10 a.m., Leon was located 155 km north of Itbayat, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 175 kph near the center and gusts of up to 215 kph.

⚡️TCWS No. 3: Batanes (Heavy rains and storm-force winds are expected)

⚡️TCWS No. 2: Babuyan Islands (Gale-force winds)

⚡️TCWS No. 1: Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, northern Benguet (Mankayan, Bakun, Buguias), Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur (Strong winds).

Additionally, gale-force winds will affect parts of the Cordillera, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Northern Samar, and much of Western Visayas.

PAGASA warned of life-threatening storm surges exceeding 3 meters in low-lying coastal areas of Batanes and Babuyan Islands over the next 48 hours.

Typhoon Leon is expected to make landfall on Taiwan’s eastern coast Thursday afternoon and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility tonight or Friday.