2nd Quarter Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical

Module 2: UNDERSTANDING TYPHOON Services Administration (PAGASA) - a national

institution tasked by the government to monitor
Tropical Cyclone - a system of thunderstorms that are & provide typhoon warnings, public weather
moving around a center. forecast & advisories, meteorological,
Eyewall – the dense cloud surrounding the eye astronomical & climatological.
 wind speed is great. Meteorology - the branch of science concerned with the
Eye - white rain bands move around the center processes and phenomena of the atmosphere,
 the lowest air pressure & wind speed is low especially as a means of forecasting the weather.
 calm weather Meteorologist- a person who assigned by collecting the data.
 All tropical cyclones have low air pressure at the Weather map- it gives the summary of the weather
center. This is the reason why the air in the condition all over the country.
surroundings moves toward the eye. Storm surge – a sudden rise in sea level above the
 A barometer will show decreasing air pressure as a normal level on the coast due to drop in
tropical cyclone approaches atmospheric pressure and the force of the winds as
*Barometer – an instrument that is used to a tropical cyclone approaches the coast.
measure air pressure and predict
changes in the weather. New Public Storm Warning Signal by PAGASA
*Air pressure - refers to the weight of air Storm Lead Time Winds Impacts of the Wind
Signal (hours) (km/h)
over a certain area.
*Anemometer – an instrument for measuring No damage to very
1 36 30 – 60
and indicating the force or speed and light damage
sometimes direction of the wind. Light to moderate
2 24 61 – 120
Categories of Tropical Cyclone damage
1. Tropical Depression - 45 to 61 kph Moderate to heavy
3 18 121 – 170
2. Tropical Storm – 62 to 88 kph damage
3. Severe Tropical Storm – 89 to 117 kph Heavy to very heavy
4 12 171 – 220
4. Typhoon – 118 to 220 kph damage
5. Supertyphoon – greater than 220 kph more Very heavy to
5 12
Difference between a Typhoon and Hurricane than 220 widespread damage
Typhoon - used only in the northwestern part of the Things to Do Before, During & After Typhoon
Pacific Ocean. (from the Philippine National Red Cross Website)
Hurricane – used in the northeastern part of the Pacific BEFORE
Ocean & in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean.  Examine your house & repair any unstable parts.
Bagyo – the term used for all categories of tropical  Keep an adequate supply of food and clean water.
cyclones in the Philippines. Prepare foods that do not require cooking.
 The majority of tropical cyclone formation form  Prepare an emergency kit in a backpack and first
between June and November and minimum between aid kit.
December to May. One source of tropical cyclone  Stay updated on the latest weather reports.
formation is the ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence  Make communication plans with the family.
Zone) located around the equator.  Have a plan in case cellphone coverage
Troposphere - the layer of atmosphere where all the disappears; like setting a meet-up place
weather disturbances can happen where you can meet each other once it is
Where do Tropical Cyclones originate? safe.
 Tropical cyclones form in the Intertropical  Prepare a list of emergency numbers such
Convergence Zone located around the Equator. as NDRRMC, PNP, BFP, LGU…
 It is in this area that trade winds from the Northern DURING
and Southern Hemispheres converge.  Stay inside the house & always keep yourself
Formation and Development of Typhoon updated with the weather report.
 A tropical cyclone can generate winds by feeding  If safe drinking water is not available, boil water at
moisture and heat to the eye. least 20 mins & place it in a container with cover.
 Moisture and heat come from the air updrafts that  Keep an eye on lighted candles or gas lamps.
rise rapidly.  Do not wade through floodwaters to avoid being
 Six main requirements for a typhoon to form and electrocuted and contracting disease.
develop:  If there is a need to move to an evacuation center,
1. Abundance of warm water follow these reminders and evacuate calmly.
2. Ocean water temperature of 26.5 degrees Celsius  Close the windows & turn off the main power
(79.7 degrees fareinheight) switch.
3. Spanning from the surface up to a depth of at least  Put important appliances & belongings in a high
50 m (160 ft.) ground.
4. High humidity  Avoid the way leading to the river.
5. Low/weak vertical wind shear AFTER
6. Optimal location for a typhoon  Watch out for live wires & outlets immersed in
Weather forecast - a prediction on the general weather water.
conditions of the atmosphere in the next 24 hours.  Beware of dangerous animals such as snakes that
Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) – refers to a may have entered you house.
designated area in the northwestern Pacific where  Report fallen electric post & damage cables to
PAGASA is tasked to monitor and issue warnings authorities.
pertaining to tropical cyclone occurrences and
 Drain tires, cans or pots from flood water where
activities.
mosquitos may breed.