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