The TRI - COLOR warning system: 1. Yellow - means “caution”. Residents are advised to monitor the news for further updates. “Yellow warning” represents 7.5-15 mm rain in an hour which could also cause flooding. 2. Green - means “go”. Go ahead and prepare for possible evacuation. “Green warning” stands for 15-30 mm rain in an hour that is also expected to continue within the next two hours. At this point, low-lying areas are expected to suffer from floods because of relatively heavy downpour. The memorable Typhoon Pedring (Nesat), which hit the country on September 27, 2011, fell within the green warning range as it had a recorded rainfall of about 15-25 mm per hour. 3. Red - means “stop”. Better stop what you are doing now if PAGASA says your area is under a “red warning.” Evacuate. Think about the amount of rain at Typhoon Ondoy’s (Ketsana) peak when it hit the country on September 26, 2009. The recorded rainfall at that time was approximately 56 mm in an hour. According to PAGASA, if more than 30mm rain is observed in an hour, and is expected to continue in the next two hours, then low-lying areas are expected to experience serious flooding. Residents in areas that have low elevation, such as coastal towns and cities, the CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) area, are advised to evacuate immediately. The various Public Storm Warning Signals are: 1. Public Storm Warning Signal #1. This means that strong winds of up to 60 kph are expected within 36 hours. Because of the long lead time, it’s common for people to think that the weather forecast is wrong. Damage is evident mostly on rice crops, light-weighed structures —nipa huts and cogon huts— and banana plants. Coastal communities are expected to be prepared for possible evacuation at any time. At this PSWS level, preschool classes within affected areas are automatically suspended. 2. Public Storm Warning Signal #2. At this level, kids from preschool to high school “celebrate” because of class suspension. Within 24 hours, winds of 60 to 100 kph are expected. Not just crops but also galvanized roofs may be damaged from such winds. Travel by water, especially by boat and other small seacraft, should be avoided. 3. Public Storm Warning Signal #3. Most offices and all schools up to colleges and universities are closed because it is dangerous for anyone to travel. Very strong winds of 100 to 185 kph are expected within 18 hours. Aside from the damages mentioned in the previous PSWS numbers, electricity and water supply may also be affected. Air and sea travel are both risky at this point. Classes in all levels are suspended. Communities affected should expect major damage to crops and property. At this point, communities should be wary of the “eye” of the storm. Winds are at their strongest nearest the eye, but die down to fair weather for about two hours as the eye passes over. After this, the storm resurges, bringing strong winds in the opposite direction. 4. Public Storm Warning Signal #4. Winds with speed of over 185 kph are expected to hit the area within 12 hours. Residential, agricultural, and industrial properties may be severely damaged. Electricity and communication may also be disrupted. Residents along coastal areas and other danger zones are advised to evacuate as soon as possible.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 10:58:36 +0000
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