Storm and

Flood Information
for the Philippines








An average of 20 tropical cyclones enters the Philippines every
year between May to November. This weather occurrence brings
in related disasters such as floods, landslides, erosion,
destruction of life and properties, among others.

Weather forecasting and public warning systems will help you
understand and prepare for a tropical cyclone. Remember,
knowing when a storm is coming is first step to mitigating the
dangers of a disaster.

The Philippines ranks 3
rd
in global ranking of most vulnerable to
disasters and natural hazard; 10
th
most vulnerable to climate-
related disasters from 1991-2010 and 5
th
most vulnerable country
in terms of forecasted global sea level rise.

Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS)

The Philippine Government through the Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA) raises Public Storm Warning Signals to warn the
public of incoming weather disturbances. Once a Storm Signal is
raised, conditions are not immediately felt in the given area.
These PSWS give the public with lead time to prepare for an
incoming storm.

Storm Signal Strength Conditions & Damages





Signal No.1





45-60 kph in
next 36 hours
Intermittent rain. Twigs and
branches of small trees may be
broken. Some plants may be
tilted or uprooted. Houses
made of light materials may be
partially unroofed. Houses
made of light materials may be
partially unroofed. Very light
damage or no damage in
affected areas. Crops in
flowering stage may suffer
significant damage. Waves on


Storm
Signal
Strength Conditions & Damages














coastal waters may gradually
develop and swell and floods
may occur.






Signal No. 2






61-100 kph
expected in
next 24
hours

Intermittent to heavy rains.
Some coconut trees may tilt
and break. Rice and corn crops
will be affected. A large
number of houses made of
light materials may be
unroofed. Old galvanized iron
roofing may be peeled off.
Winds may bring light to
moderate damage to
communities in affected areas.
Sea and coastal waters are
dangerous to small sea crafts.
Travel by air and sea should be
avoided.





Signal No. 3

















101-185
kph in next
18 hours

Strong wind and heavy rains.
Coconut trees may be broken
and destroyed and large
number of trees may be
uprooted. Rice crops suffer
heavy losses. Majority of
houses and structures made of
light materials may be
destroyed. Possible
widespread disruption of power
and communication services.
Travel by air and sea will be
very dangerous. People are
advised to evacuate low-lying
areas and stay away from
coasts and riverbanks.







Signal No. 4











More than
185 kph in
next 12
hours

Very heavy rains and strong
winds. Situation is very
destructive to the community.
Many trees may be uprooted,
and there is massive damage
to crops. Most residential and
institutional buildings of mixed
construction will be severely
damaged. Power and
communication services may
be severely disrupted. All
travels and outdoor activities
should be cancelled.
Evacuation to safe shelters
should have been completed.






Information Resources in the Philippines

Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical
Services Administration (PAGASA) An agency under the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) providing real-time
updates about weather and typhoon alerts.
Website: www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph / Twitter: @dost_pagasa

Project NOAH the National Operational Assessment of Hazards
(NOAH) is a program launched by the DOST to put in place a
responsive program for disaster prevention and mitigation, using
advanced technology to enhance current geo-hazard vulnerability
maps.
Website: www.noah.dost.gov.ph

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
(NDRRMC) Established to pursue disaster-prevention and risk
reduction. It reports updates on the effects and preparedness
measures of disaster situations such as typhoons, earthquakes, etc.
Website: www.ndrrmc.gov.ph / Twitter: @NDRRMC_Open
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Ndrrmc-
Opcen/10374183037609

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
It is a service institute of the DOST tasked to mitigate disasters arising
from volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami and other geotectonic-
related phenomena.
Website: www.philvolcs.dost.gov.ph

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Provides
real reports on traffic and flooded areas in Metro Manila; Aids in flood
control in Metro Manila.
Website: www.mmda.gov.ph / Twitter: @MMDA


Classification of Tropical Depressions, Storms and
Hurricanes

Tropical Cyclone - A storm system characterized by a large low-
pressure area (LPA) and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong
winds and heavy rains. It is driven by the release of large amounts of
latent heat of condensation, which occurs when moist air is carried
upwards and its water vapor condenses.

Tropical Depression - An organized system of clouds and
thunderstorms with a defined, closed surface circulation and maximum
sustained winds of less than 34 knots (39 mph). It has no eye and
does not typically have the organization or spiral shape of more
powerful storms.

Tropical Storm - Well-organized system with tight rotation and low
centralized pressure with measured winds of at least 39 mph.

Hurricane or Typhoon - Super-organized system with intense eye-
wall, very low pressure and measured wind speed between 74 and 95
mph.

Super Typhoon - A typhoon that reached a wind speed of 150 mph or
240 km/h. This is a strong storm. When a storm is upgraded to super
typhoon, it means it is no weaker than 150 mph or 240 km/h.

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