A typhoon is a powerful and destructive weather
phenomenon that forms over warm ocean waters. It is
essentially a large rotating storm system with very strong
winds and heavy rainfall. You can think of it as a giant
spinning storm.
Typhoons typically occur in the western Pacific Ocean,
especially in the region known as the "Typhoon Alley."
They are similar to hurricanes and cyclones, which are
other names for the same type of weather system, but
they have different names based on the region where they
occur.
The formation of a typhoon starts when warm, moist air
rises from the ocean's surface. As this air rises, it creates
an area of low pressure. More warm air rushes in to fill
the void, causing a cycle of rising air and wind circulation.
The rotating winds start to pick up speed, and a spiral
shape forms.
As the typhoon continues to strengthen, the winds can
reach incredibly high speeds, often exceeding 74 miles per
hour (119 kilometers per hour). These strong winds can
cause significant damage to buildings, trees, and other
structures in their path.
The most dangerous part of a typhoon is its eye, which is a
calm and clear area at the center of the storm. It is
surrounded by a wall of clouds and intense winds. When
the eye passes over an area, there might be a temporary
period of relief from the strong winds and rain, but the
storm will resume with full force as the other side of the
typhoon moves in.
Typhoons are also notorious for heavy rainfall, which can
lead to severe flooding. The combination of strong winds,
heavy rain, and storm surges (a rise in sea level) can
cause extensive destruction along coastal areas.
To prepare for typhoons, meteorological agencies issue
warnings and advisories, allowing people to take
necessary precautions and evacuate if needed. It is
important to stay informed and follow the instructions of
local authorities during such situations to ensure safety.
In summary, a typhoon is a large and powerful storm that
forms over warm ocean waters. It has strong winds, heavy
rainfall, and can cause significant damage to coastal
areas.
Typhoons are a significant natural hazard in the
Philippines due to the country's location in the western
Pacific Ocean. Here's some important information about
typhoons in the Philippines:
1. Frequency and Season: The Philippines
experiences an average of 20 typhoons each year.
The typhoon season typically runs from June to
November, with the peak occurring between
August and October.
2. Formation and Tracks: Typhoons form over warm
ocean waters when atmospheric conditions are
favorable. They often develop in the Pacific Ocean
east of the Philippines and then move westward
toward the country. Some typhoons also originate
from the South China Sea.
3. Typhoon Signals: The Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) issues typhoon signals
to provide early warning and guide preparedness
efforts. The signals range from Signal No. 1 to
Signal No. 5, with higher signals indicating more
severe conditions.
4. Impact: Typhoons bring several hazards, including
strong winds, storm surges, heavy rainfall, and
landslides. These can result in widespread
flooding, infrastructure damage, power outages,
and disruptions to transportation and
communication networks. Coastal areas are
particularly vulnerable to storm surges, which
can cause significant coastal erosion and flooding.
A tropical cyclone is a rapid rotating storm originating
over tropical oceans from where it draws the energy to
develop. It has a low pressure centre and clouds spiraling
towards the eyewall surrounding the "eye", the central
part of the system where the weather is normally calm
and free of clouds.
Effects of Typhoons
 Strong Winds: This is one of the most devastating
and the most consistent negative effects of a
typhoon. Strong winds can easily cause buildings
to collapse, as well as destroying roads and
 infrastructure. Strong winds could also damage
agriculture by blowing away seeds and plants,
making the crops unable to grow.
 Heavy Rainfall: Typhoons often bring intense
rainfall, leading to flash floods and long-term
flooding. This could cause flooding, the damaging
of crops and homes, disrupt transportation, and
many more.
 Storm Surge: Typhoons generate storm surges,
which are a rising of the sea as a result
of atmospheric pressure changes and wind
associated with a storm. Storm surges can lead to
coastal erosion, and the breaching of coastal
defenses, putting coastal communities at risk of
flooding and damage.
 Landslides: Landslides are caused by the
precipitation that is present when a typhoon hits
an area. Landslides occur when large amounts of
water has settled on mountain tops. The intense
pressure of the water pressing down, causes soil
and rock to slide off from where they
were. Landslides can damage infrastructure,
block roads and rivers, and pose a threat to lives
and property.
 Disruption of Services: Typhoons can disrupt
essential services such as electricity, water
supply, transportation, and communication
networks. Power outages and damage to
infrastructure can result in prolonged periods
without access to basic necessities, making
rescue and relief efforts challenging.
 Human Impact: Typhoons can cause injuries and
loss of life due to collapsing structures, flying
debris, flooding, landslides, and other hazards
associated with the storm. The impact on human
populations can be severe, requiring evacuations,
emergency response, and medical assistance.
 Economic Consequences: The destruction caused
by typhoons can have significant economic
consequences. Damage to infrastructure,
agriculture, businesses, and homes can lead to
substantial financial losses.
Recognize signs of impending Tphoon
 Weather Forecasts: Stay updated with local
weather forecasts from reliable sources such as
meteorological agencies, national weather
services, or reputable weather websites. These
forecasts often provide early warnings and track
the development and movement of tropical
cyclones, including typhoons. The very first signs
the ting on our messages. So if you didnt notice
then why the hell do you even have a phone for.
For more details this will be further explained by
ms. Tañamor
Atmospheric Changes: Observe changes in the
atmosphere that may indicate the approach of a typhoon.
These can include:
 Increasing cloud cover: Notice an increase in the
number and thickness of clouds, particularly dark,
towering clouds associated with thunderstorms. It
could be said that the clouds are threatening to
rain till kingdom come.
 Changing wind patterns: Pay attention to sudden
shifts in wind direction and increasing wind
speeds. Normally we wouldn't notice this because
we live in a somewhat urban area bit if you live in
mountainous area you might if you like to travel
 Drop in atmospheric pressure: Monitor barometric
pressure readings, as a significant drop may
indicate the approach of a storm system. But
mostly it's just rain and then it will stop only for it
to rain again.
Sea Conditions: Keep an eye on the conditions of the sea,
especially if you live in a coastal area. Some signs of an
impending typhoon include:
 Rising sea levels: Monitor tide levels and observe
if there is a sudden increase in the water level
along the coast, which could indicate an
approaching storm surge. Since i'm no expert i
would just think today's a high tide, so just avoid
the coast
 Increasing wave activity: Notice if waves become
higher and more powerful than usual, with
 increased frequency and intensity. As I said
before it just look like a high tide
Sky Appearance: Look to the sky for visual cues that may
suggest an approaching typhoon:
 Unusual cloud formations: Pay attention to the
appearance of rotating or spiraling cloud
formations, which can indicate the presence of a
developing typhoon. You would notice this if most
of us bothered to look up and not to our phones so
yea
 Changes in sky color: Observe if the sky takes on
a reddish or unusually dark appearance, which
can be associated with the presence of a typhoon.
Or here in dgte. It's just gray or black
Animal Behavior: Sometimes, animals can exhibit changes
in behavior that may signal an approaching storm:
 Birds: Watch for changes in bird activity. Birds
may fly in larger flocks, lower to the ground, or
Before a Typhoon:
exhibit signs of restlessness or agitation before a
typhoon. Like every rain season
 Marine life: Notice if marine animals, such as fish,
dolphins, or whales, move closer to shore or
display unusual behavior patterns. That is if you
live in coastal areas
 Local Warnings and Alerts: Stay tuned to official
announcements, local news outlets, and
emergency management agencies for any typhoon
warnings, watches, or advisories specific to your
area. These sources will provide timely
information and instructions on how to prepare
and stay safe. As I said before its on our
messages with a phone number of
4. What to do before, during, and after the
hydrometeorological hazard assigned
During a Typhoon:
 Stay informed: Pay attention to weather reports,
typhoon warnings, and updates from local
authorities. Stay tuned to news broadcasts for the
latest information. Local authorities issue
evacuation orders.
 Prepare an emergency kit: Gather essential
supplies such as non-perishable food, drinking
water,batteries, flashlights ( incase mo power
outages) , a first aid kit, medications, and a
portable radio. Include necessary documents,
cash, and important contact numbers.
 Stay indoors: Avoid going outside during the
typhoon unless it is absolutely necessary. Strong
winds and flying debris pose significant risks. If
you must venture outside, take extreme caution.
 Disconnect electrical appliances: Unplug all
unnecessary electrical equipment to prevent
damage from power surges. Avoid using electrical
devices during the storm.
 Stay away from flood-prone areas: Avoid areas
prone to flooding, such as low-lying regions,
rivers, and streams. Be cautious of flash floods,
which can occur rapidly and without warning.
 Create an emergency kit: Prepare an emergency
kit that includes essential supplies such as non-
perishable food, drinking water, medications, first
aid supplies, battery-operated devices, important
documents, and cash. Have enough supplies to
last for several days.
 Secure your home: Inspect and reinforce your
home for potential vulnerabilities. Trim tree
branches that could fall on structures, reinforce
doors and windows, and clear gutters and drains.
 Develop an evacuation plan: If you live in a flood-
prone or coastal area, identify evacuation routes
and plan where you will go if you need to
evacuate. Share the plan with your family
members and establish a communication method
to stay in touch.
 Secure your property: Before the typhoon hits,
secure or bring inside any objects that can be
easily blown away or cause damage, such as patio
furniture, gardening tools, and outdoor equipment.
Reinforce doors and windows if possible.
  Secure important documents: Keep important
documents like identification papers, insurance
policies, and medical records in a waterproof and
easily accessible place. Consider creating digital
copies as well.
 Stay updated: Monitor weather reports and official
announcements regarding the typhoon's progress.
Follow instructions and evacuation orders issued
by local authorities.
After a Typhoon:
 Stay cautious: Even after the typhoon has passed,
remain cautious as hazards may still exist. Be
aware of downed power lines, weakened
structures, and potential debris.
 Check for injuries: Attend to any injuries and seek
medical help if needed. If someone requires
immediate medical attention, contact emergency
services.
 Inspect your property: Assess your home for
damage, including structural integrity, water
leaks, and gas or electrical issues. If you suspect
any hazards, contact relevant professionals or
authorities for assistance.
 Avoid floodwaters: Avoid contact with
floodwaters, as they may be contaminated and
pose health risks. Wait for authorities to declare
the area safe before returning to flooded areas.
 Communicate your safety: Contact your loved
ones to let them know you are safe. Use text
messages or social media if possible, as these are
often more reliable during post-disaster
situations.
 Assist others: If it is safe to do so, check on your
neighbors, especially the elderly, disabled, or
those who may require assistance.
 Listen to authorities: Follow the instructions and
guidance provided by local authorities and
emergency services for the recovery and cleanup
process.
What are the available tools for monitoring a
Typhoon
 Meteorological Agencies: National meteorological
agencies, such as the Japan Meteorological
Agency (JMA), the Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical, and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA), and the China
Meteorological Administration (CMA), provide
official typhoon monitoring and forecasting
services. They offer real-time updates, warnings,
and advisories related to typhoons in their
respective regions.
 Tropical Cyclone Websites: Many countries have
dedicated websites that provide information on
current and upcoming tropical cyclones, including
typhoons. These sites often include storm tracks,
forecast models, satellite imagery, and other
relevant data. Examples include the Joint Typhoon
Warning Center (JTWC) and the National Hurricane
Center (NHC) for the Western Pacific and Atlantic
basins, respectively.
 Weather Apps and Websites: Popular weather
apps and websites, such as AccuWeather, The
Weather Channel, or Weather Underground, often
include tropical cyclone tracking features. These
platforms provide real-time updates, storm
tracks, radar images, and forecasts for typhoons
and other weather events.
 Satellite Imagery: Satellite imagery is crucial for
monitoring typhoons. Organizations like the Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) provide satellite data and imagery that
can help track the formation, movement, and
intensity of typhoons.
 Radar Systems: Local weather radar systems are
used to monitor rainfall patterns and storm
development. They provide detailed information
about precipitation rates, storm structure, and
movement, aiding in the tracking and forecasting
of typhoons.
 Social Media and Mobile Alerts: Follow official
social media accounts of meteorological agencies,
 emergency management organizations, and local
authorities. They often provide real-time updates,
warnings, and instructions during typhoon events.
Additionally, mobile alert systems and apps can
send push notifications or text messages for
weather alerts issued in your area.

Weather Surveillance Radar

 is of the long range type which detects and tracks

typhoons and cloud masses at distance of 400
kilometers or less. This radar has a rotating
antenna disk preferably mounted on top of a
building free from any physical obstruction.