Typhoons Overview and Types

Typhoons

• A typhoon is a large rotating storm system with a low-pressure center, strong winds, and heavy rainfall.
• It's a type of tropical cyclone forming over warm ocean waters.

Types of Tropical Cyclones

• Classified by intensity:
  • Tropical Depression: Maximum sustained winds up to 61 km/h (38 mph).
  • Tropical Storm: Maximum sustained winds 62-88 km/h (39-54 mph).
  • Typhoon: Maximum sustained winds 118 km/h (73 mph) or higher.
  • Super Typhoon: Extremely powerful with maximum sustained winds of 241 km/h (150 mph) or higher.

Parts of a Typhoon

• Eye: The calm center of the storm.
• Eyewall: A ring of intense thunderstorms surrounding the eye.
• Spiral Bands: Bands of thunderstorms spiraling outward from the eyewall.

How Typhoons Form

• Warm Ocean Waters: Warm ocean waters provide energy for typhoon formation.
• Low-Pressure Area: A low-pressure area develops over warm ocean waters.
• Rising Air: Warm, moist air rises creating low pressure.
• Condensation and Cloud Formation: Rising air cools, condenses, and forms clouds.
• Rotating Winds: The Coriolis effect causes rising air to rotate, creating a spinning storm.
• Intensification: As the storm intensifies, winds strengthen and the eye becomes defined.

The Philippines and Typhoons

• The Philippines is highly prone to typhoons due to its location within the typhoon belt.
• Warm ocean currents and atmospheric conditions favor typhoon formation in this region.

Typhoon Hazards

• Strong Winds: High-speed winds damage buildings, uproot trees, and cause power outages.
• Heavy Rainfall: Intense rainfall causes flooding, landslides, and mudslides.
• Storm Surge: Strong winds and low atmospheric pressure cause a rise in sea level, flooding coastal areas.
• Tornadoes: Tornadoes can form within the outer bands of a typhoon.

Typhoon Preparedness and Response

• Create an Emergency Kit: Assemble essential supplies.
• Develop an Evacuation Plan: Identify safe routes and shelters.
• Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and warnings.
• Follow Safety Guidelines: Stay in during a typhoon, avoid flooded areas, and watch for falling debris.
• Participate in Community Preparedness Activities: Join community drills.

Storm Warning Signals

• PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) issues storm warning signals to alert the public.
  • Signal No. 1: Strong winds expected in coastal areas.
  • Signal No. 2: Stronger winds expected in coastal areas.
  • Signal No. 3: Strong winds expected in most areas of a region.
  • Signal No. 4: Very strong winds expected in most areas of a region.
  • Signal No. 5: Violent winds expected in most areas of a region.

Rain Warning Signals

• PAGASA issues rain warning signals to alert the public.
  • Yellow Rainfall Warning: Light to moderate rain, flooding possible in low-lying areas.
  • Orange Rainfall Warning: Moderate to heavy rain, flooding and landslides possible.
  • Red Rainfall Warning: Heavy to intense rainfall, severe flooding and landslides possible.

This quiz explores the fascinating world of typhoons, including their definitions, classification, and structure. Learn about the different types of tropical cyclones and how typhoons form, with a focus on the atmospheric conditions required for their development.