by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

Tropical Storm Kong-Rey known in the Philippines as Leon, is currently moving west-northwestward across the Philippine Sea.

The latest report on 28 October reveals that the storm’s centre was located east-northeast of Manila, Philippines. Forecasts predict that the storm will intensify into a typhoon by 29 October as it continues its northwestward trajectory towards Taiwan.

Taitung County, Taiwan, could be affected by the storm as of Wednesday, 30 October.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a weather bulletin warning of strong winds in northern and central regions and rough seas along the coast.

Disruptions to business, transport, and utilities, including impassable roads and bridges, flight delays, and temporary port closures, are possible.

In Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) has indicated that a land warning for the storm could be issued as early as Wednesday morning.

According to local media Focus Taiwan, the storm could have sustained winds of up to 101 kph and could strengthen into a typhoon as it nears Taiwan.

After landfall, forecasters expect Kong-Rey to weaken into a tropical storm as it moves northward across Taiwan, exiting into the East China Sea by late 1 November.