What Is Typhoon ?

A typhoon is a large and powerful tropical cyclone. It is characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and low atmospheric pressure. Typhoons typically form over warm ocean waters in the western Pacific and can cause significant damage when they make landfall.

Typhoons can be very devastating, especially when they cause storm surge, or flooding, when they hit land, and scientists called meteorologists can predict typhoons and put them into categories to help people prepare for these storms.

How Typhoons Form ?

When winds enter oceanic regions with warm water, typhoons are created. As cooler air descends, these winds gather moisture and rise. Pressure is created as a result, and the winds increase in speed. The winds spin or rotate around an object known as an eye. The winds increase in intensity with the amount of warm air and moisture present. Typhoons can occur at any time of year, although they are more likely to develop between June and November when the necessary conditions are present.

Different Typhoon Category Or Signals

A particular wind signal has an equivalent expected wind threat, length of time (in hours) before onset of expected wind threat, and potential impacts to the locality. The current TCWS system uses five (5) levels of wind signals that are numbered from 1 to 5, with a higher signal number associated with higher general wind strength and shorter warning lead time.

Public Storm Warning Signal No. 1

For meteorological conditions, a tropical cyclone will affect the locality. A 30 to 60 kph wind is also expected in the area. In the least 36 hours, discontinuous rain may be expected. When it comes to wind strength, there may only be very light or no damage sustained in areas warned as Signal No. 1. However, there may be small trees or banana plants that may be broken or uprooted. For precautionary measures, disaster preparedness units are activated to alert status.

Public Storm Warning Signal No. 2

A 60 to 100 kph may be expected in the least 24 hours. The impact of the wind may result to big trees such as coconut trees to be uprooted, banana plants to be downed, and rice and corn are also affected. A large number of nipa and cogon houses may also be unroofed and galvanized iron roofings may be peeled off. The wind may bring light to moderate damage to exposed communities. The sea and coastal waters are dangerous to small seacraft. There will also be cautionary measures for sea and air transportation. Children outdoor activities shall also be postponed.

Public Storm Warning Signal No. 3

100 kph to 185 kph of winds may be expected in at least 18 hours. The impact of the wind may cause a large number of big trees to be destroyed or uprooted. Majority of light material houses may also be unroofed or destroyed and damages may be seen in those with light to medium construction. There will also be disruption in electrical power and communication (and internet) services. For precautionary measures, people should seek shelter in strong buildings and those in low-lying areas are advised to evacuate. Travel would be very risky especially by sea and air. People should also stay away from coasts and river banks.

Public Storm Warning Signal No. 4

For Signal No. 4, a very intense typhoon will affect the locality as winds of more than 185 kph may be expected in at least 12 hours. Plantations may suffer extensive damage and severe losses. Buildings and electronic and communication services may be severely damaged and disrupted. When it comes to precautionary measures, all travels and outdoor activities are cancelled. Places warned with Signal No. 4 are very likely to be hit by the “eye of the typhoon” so evacuations must be done beforehand.