WARNINGS

Safety Precautions:

• Avoid Sea Travel: Mariners, small boat operators, and fishermen should avoid going out to sea.

• Secure Property: Coastal residents should secure loose objects outdoors that may be blown away by strong winds.

• Stay Indoors: People living near coastlines or areas prone to strong winds should stay indoors during the warning period.

Storm Surge Warning ( Daluyong )

A Storm Surge Warning is issued when a tropical cyclone causes an abnormal rise in sea level, leading to flooding along coastal areas, especially during high tides.

Levels of Warning:

Yellow: 1-2 meters of storm surge expected.

Orange: 2-3 meters of storm surge expected.

Red: 3 meters or more of storm surge expected.

Impacts:

• Coastal Flooding: Areas near the coast may experience severe flooding, submerging homes and roads.

• Property Damage: Buildings, infrastructure, and agricultural land along the coast could be severely damaged or destroyed.

• Displacement: People in vulnerable coastal areas may be evacuated to safer locations.

• Loss of Livelihoods: Fishing communities and coastal businesses can face significant losses.

• Risk to Life: Strong waves and currents can lead to drownings and injuries.

Precautions:

• Evacuate coastal areas if instructed by authorities.

• Move to higher ground to avoid flooding.

• Stay indoors and avoid going near the coastline.

Monsoon (Habagat and Amihan) Warnings

•   Habagat (Southwest Monsoon): Occurs from

May to October.

•   Amihan (Northeast Monsoon): Occurs from   November to April.

Impacts of Habagat (Southwest Monsoon):

• Wind Direction: Winds come from the southwest, bringing moisture from the South China Sea.

• Rainfall: Habagat brings heavy rains, thunderstorms, and sometimes even torrential downpours, especially over the western side of the country (e.g., western Luzon, Western Visayas).

  • Enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) -  occurs when the southwest winds are stronger than usual, typically influenced by a tropical cyclone or a low-pressure area.

Potential Impacts:

• Flooding and landslides due to intense rainfall. Urban areas can experience significant flooding due to poor drainage systems.

• Coastal areas may experience rough seas and higher-than-usual tides, making maritime travel hazardous.

• The rain can also cause agricultural damage, especially in rice, corn, and vegetable crops.

• People living in low-lying or flood-prone areas should be vigilant and prepared for possible evacuations.

Impacts of Amihan (Northeast Monsoon):

• Wind Direction: Winds come from the northeast, bringing cooler and drier air from the Pacific Ocean.

• Rainfall: The Amihan typically results in cooler weather and light to moderate rainfall, especially in northern and central Luzon.

Potential Impacts:

• The cool weather is generally beneficial, but it can bring some light rain or overcast skies, especially in regions like the eastern seaboard.

• Fishermen and small vessels should still exercise caution as Amihan winds can cause moderate seas, especially in the northern regions.

• In some cases, the combination of Amihan winds and tropical disturbances can lead to significant weather events such as cyclones or heavy rains.

Heavy Rainfall Warning

These are issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to signal the intensity of rainfall and the potential for flooding.

Yellow Rainfall Warning

• Amount of Rain: 7.5 mm to 15 mm of rain within an hour.

Potential Impacts:

• Light to moderate flooding in flood-prone areas. Advisory to monitor conditions closely.

• People should remain alert for possible updates, and drivers should be cautious on roads.

Orange Rainfall Warning:

• Amount of Rain: 15 mm to 30 mm of rain within an hour.

Potential Impacts:

• Moderate flooding is expected in flood-prone areas.

• Immediate action may be required in some areas, especially those near rivers and streams.

• Residents are advised to stay indoors, and communities at risk of flash flooding should prepare for evacuation.

Red Rainfall Warning:

• Amount of Rain: More than 30 mm of rain within an hour.

Potential Impacts:

• Severe flooding is likely, and there is a high risk of flash floods or landslides.

• Immediate evacuation may be required, especially in areas along rivers, near mountainsides, or in low-lying coastal zones.

• All outdoor activities should cease, and people should stay indoors or seek higher ground.

Flood Advisory:

• Issued when rains have caused or will cause localized flooding. Typically in flood-prone areas like riverbanks, low-lying regions, or in urban areas with poor drainage systems.

• Potential Impacts: Minor to moderate flooding may occur, affecting roads, communities, and agricultural areas.

• People are advised to avoid flooded areas and take extra care when traveling.

Flood Warning:

• Issued when there is a high probability of significant flooding in affected areas. The warning is raised when river levels have reached dangerous heights, and flash floods are possible.

Potential Impacts

•  Extensive flooding can disrupt transportation, cause property damage, and even result in casualties if residents do not evacuate in time.

• Communities near rivers and floodplains should evacuate if the situation worsens.