Typhoon Leon at 11:20 a.m. PAGASA photo

MANILA — Tropical cyclone Leon weakened to a strong typhoon on Thursday but the threat of ferocious winds and heavy rains remained over northern Luzon, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

At 10 a.m. Thursday, Typhoon Leon was located 155 kilometers north of Itbayat, Batanes, blowing winds of 175 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 215 kph. It is moving northwestward at 25 kph.

Videos showed trees in Batanes being pounded by strong winds and a road covered in mud following a rockslide. Another video taken Wednesday night showed the province being drenched by heavy downpour.

WATCH: Super typhoon winds, heavy rains batter Batanes

Life-threatening winds or Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 is still up in Batanes while Babuyan Islands is now under Wind Signal No. 2.

HEAVY RAINS

PAGASA said intense rainfall could still be experienced in Batanes. The typhoon's trough or extension could also bring gusty winds and moderate to heavy rains over the western section of Luzon.

PAGASA warned that rain showers and thunderstorms could affect other parts of the country, potentially spawning flooding and landslides that could hinder recovery and rehabilitation efforts for thousands of Filipinos still reeling from the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Reported death toll from Kristine, Leon rises to 150, nearly 30 still missing: NDRRMC

Leon is forecast to make landfall over eastern Taiwan on Thursday afternoon. 

It is predicted to significantly weaken due to land interaction and unfavorable conditions around the area.

Leon may leave the Philippine area of monitoring on Thursday evening or Friday morning.