PUBLIC STORM WARNING SIGNAL

Find Out• What is the Modified Public Storm Warning System?

• What is the importance of knowing the public storm warning signals?

You have learned the tropical cyclones affect lives and properties. People must be properly warned of the extent of the damage brought about by the tropical cyclones.

Once a cyclone has developed, PAGASA begins giving weather reports. As the cyclone is entering the PHILIPINE Area of responsibility (PAR), PAGASA keeps people abreast by issuing weather bulletins as often as necessary. These bulletins contain information about public storm warning signals.

In the Philippines, there are four storm warning signals. This system of warning signals was introduced in 1991 by PAGASA. The system is called the Modified Public Storm Warning or MPSWS. In this system, typhoon signal number 4 has been added to the original typhoon signal warning scheme. They are describe in the table on the following page.Table 10.6 Modified Public Storm Warning System

Signal Number Description

1 Winds of 30 – 60 kph are expected within 36 hrs. People should be alert

2 Strong winds of 60 to 100 kph are expected within 24 hrs. Classes in the Elementary and secondary levels are suspended.

3 Strong winds of 100 to 185 kph are expected within 18 hrs. classes in all levels are suspended. Work in most government offices and some private offices is likewise suspended.

4 Very strong winds more than 185 kph are expected within 12 hrs.