MODULE 2 : UNDERSTANDING TYPHOONS

TROPICAL CYCLONE

- Is a system of thunderstorm that move around a center. As the winds intensify or weaken, the category
is upgraded or downgraded accordingly.

Tropical Cyclone Categories

CATEGORY Maximum Wind Speed Kilometers per hour

(kph)
Tropical Depression 64
Tropical Storm 118
Typhoon 200
Super Typhoon Greater than 200

REMEMBER :

 The term typhoon is used only in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. The word typhoon was
derived from the Chinese word tai fung which means “great winds”
 In the northeastern part of the Pacific Ocean and northern part of the Atlantic Ocean, the equivalent term
is hurricane.
Note :
• In the Philippines, we use the same word “BAGYO” for all categories of tropical cyclones.
• Tropical cyclones have been given name male and female name. These names are from the lists
contributed by all the nations and territories that are members of WMO.

How tropical cyclone develops?

Most tropical cyclones from over vast ocean areas covered by very warm moist air masses. Such areas are found
near the equator where the Northeast trade winds and the Southeast trade winds met, forming the Intertropical
Convergence Zone (ITZC). The temperature of water should be at least 26.5 C.
The twisting forces of the earth’s rotation cause the spinning of the winds of the cyclone, starting from the twirling
of the opposing trade winds around each other.
The spinning wind of the cyclone creates a rotating low-pressure area that pushes air towards the center and hot
moist air to rise and cool off. This cooling of the air causes its moisture to condense, which causes heat to escape. This
heat that is thrown off during condensation further warms the air, which becomes lighter and rises fast. As more moist air
replaces the rising air, more condensation takes place, so air at the center rises faster and faster.
The violence of tropical cyclone is due to the tremendous energy released as condensation occurs continuously.

Three conditions where Tropical Cyclone continue to develop:

a. There must be a continuous supply of rising warm moist air.
b. The air at the center must rise high enough to cool and bring about condensation.
c. The exit of the air above is continuous, thus permitting a continuous flow of warm moist air from below.
These conditions will prevent the spiraling wind to weaken and low pressure area will not dissipate.

EYE OF THE TYPHOON

- The calm area in the center of tropical cyclone and bordered by the spinning winds.
- It’s like a hole, one distinct feature of typhoon
REMEMBER :
The lowest air pressure is at the eye of tropical cyclone.

COMPARISON BETWEEN THE WIND SPEED WITHIN THE EYE AND AT THE EYEWALL

When the eye of the tropical cyclone passes over certain place, it is the winds at the eyewall that create a lot of
damage. As it approaches, one side of the eyewall brings strong winds flowing in one direction. Then comes the eye with
somewhat calm weather. As it leaves, the other side of the eyewall brings strong winds again, but this time in the opposite
direction.

Effects of tropical cyclone

1. Strong winds that very dangerous.

2. Many people have been hurt or killed by flying objects blown by powerful winds.
3. Can cause a lot of agricultural damage, destroying plants, trees and crops that cost up to hundreds of millions of
pesos.

Definition of Terms :

a. PHILIPPINE AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY ( PAR) – refers to a designated area in the Northwestern Pacific to monitor
tropical cyclone occurrences.
b. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ ) – is the region where the northern and southern hemisphere trade winds
come together.
c. PHILIPPINE ATMOSPHERIC, GEOPHYSICAL AND ASTRONOMICAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION ( PAGASA ) – is a
government agency for flood control, astronomical observations, time service and weather forecasting that
predicts weather phenomena and changes caused by atmospheric conditions.
d. Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) – helps people prepare for an approaching weather disturbance
e. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) – is a specialized agency of the United Nations, that serves as the
authority on the behavior and state of the atmosphere and its interaction with the oceans and the type of climate
it brings.

PSWS NO. 1 - wind of 30-60kph may be expected in at least 36 hours

PSWS NO. 2 - winds of greater than 60kph up to 100kph ma be expected in at least 24 hours
PSWS NO. 3 -100kph to 185kph in at least 18 hours
PSWS NO. 4 -more than 185kph in at least 12 hours

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