MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration on Thursday lowered the storm signal in Batanes to No. 4 as it was expected to weaken in the next 12 hours.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, Pagasa said Signal No. 3 was up over the northern portion of Babuyan Islands (Babuyan Island and Calayan Island) while Signal No. 2 was hoisted over the rest of Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan, the northern portion of Isabela (San Pablo, Maconacon, Divilacan and Palanan), Apayao and Ilocos Norte.

Under Signal No. 1 are the rest of Cagayan, Isabela, the rest of Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, the northern portion of Benguet (Mankayan, Bakun and Buguias), the rest of Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur.

Moving westward, the center of the eye of Leon was some 110 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes while packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 240kph, the state weather bureau said.

Pagasa administrator Nathaniel Servando told The Manila Times that the super typhoon has maintained its strength while moving northwestward near Batanes.

"The super typhoon is now moving away from Batanes and heading towards Taiwan," Servando said.

The Pagasa chief said Leon reached its peak intensity while passing close to the province.

Likely to weaken into a typhoon over the next 12 hours, Leon may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility Thursday night or early Friday morning, he added.