What are Typhoons?

Typhoons are strong tropical storms. In some parts of the world, these are called hurricanes, and in others they are known as typhoons. They can also be called tropical cyclones. Read More Source: http://answers.ask.com/Nature/Science/what_are_typhoons

What is Typhoon?
Typhoon is the name for a tropical cyclone storm when it occurs in the northwest Pacific Ocean west of the dateline. These storms are the same as hurricanes, only they go by a different name depending on the area where they're located. Typh... Read More Source: http://answers.ask.com/Science/Nature/what_is_typhoon

Where do Typhoons Occur?

Typhoons occur mostly on islands and sea shores. These includes areas of Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, China, Japan & nearby islands & countries. Read More Source: http://answers.ask.com/Science/Nature/where_do_typhoons_occur

The TV, radio and other official agencies keep mentioning 50-knot winds or greater are forecast for such and such a time. Why is 50 knots the magic number? A. Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 1-E is declared when damaging sustained 50-knot or 58-mph winds or greater are actually occurring. 50 knots is considered severe weather at any Air Force base, due to the frequency of structural and equipment damage when these winds occur, and damage assessments are usually required after such storms. From a less regulatory standpoint, with winds at that speed or higher, objects surrounding you that may seem benign and harmless can turn into dangerous projectiles. Branches get torn off trees and sent airborne, maybe against a car window or your backdoor. Trash cans, bicycles, flower pots, even small refrigerators can fit
This Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens is being issued to alert U.S. citizens residing or traveling in East China that the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has issued alerts for a typhoon system, designated Typhoon Muifa, and predicts it will make landfall in eastern China north of Shanghai. As of midnight August 5th the system had wind speeds of nearly 104 mph, with stronger gusts and was expected to strengthen over the following 48 hours as it moved over open water. The system is then expected to weaken to tropical storm strength as it moves northward over the Yellow Sea, the Bohai Sea and parts of northeastern China. JTWC projects Typhoon Muifa will reach Chinas Eastern seaboard on August 7. This storm may affect the provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu as well as the city of Shanghai. Residents may wish to stock up on emergency supplies of food, water, and cash in case of storm-related power outages.

Please monitor the typhoons track by listening to the radio, watching television, or monitoring weather websites. For further details, see the Joint Typhoon Warning Center's Tropical Cyclone Warning (http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC), the China Meteorological Association (http://www.cma.gov.cn/en/) or the National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center, (http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/cphc). We also advise that you locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions. Remember to carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, picture IDs, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. Please tell your family and friends in the United States of your whereabouts and keep in close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions in the event of a weather emergency. Additional information on hurricanes and storm preparedness may be found on the Department of States Hurricane/Typhoon Season (http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_ ... _5514.html) and Natural Disasters (http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips ... _1207.html) webpages. Updated information on travel in China may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). We will continue to monitor Typhoon Maifus track and will issue updated messages as appropriate. Please monitor the Consulates website at http://shanghai.usconsulate.gov/service.html for any updated messages. Please consult the Country Specific Information for China, available on the State Departments Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov. We encourage all U.S. citizens abroad to enroll with the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://www.travel.state.gov or with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. By enrolling, you can receive the nearest embassy or consulate's most recent security and safety updates during your trip. Enrolling also ensures that we can reach you, or your designated emergency points of contact, during an emergency. While consular officers will do their utmost to assist you in a crisis, please be aware that local authorities bear primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their

that category depending on the winds severity. It becomes difficult, if not impossible, to stand upright. Keeping a vehicle under control can be troublesome, if not out of the conversation altogether. Thats why the best advice when TCCOR 1-E is issued is to stay indoors. Q. Should I tape windows or other outside-facing glass in my onbase quarters during a typhoon?

A. All on-base structures on Okinawa, especially newer ones, are virtually typhoon-proof, especially the windows. A staff civil on Kadena some years ago told me that on-base structures are designed to withstand sustained 198-mph winds for lengthy periods of time. Windows are treated and covered by a plastic film that can be easily damaged by tape. Q. Ive lived off base for a number of years, and during typhoons, I see the locals continuing to make their rounds in their vehicles, even when TCCOR 1-E is in effect. I mean, if they can go outside, why cant we SOFA types? A. Please see the above answer to 50 knot-58 mph winds being the magic number and how virtually anything can become a dangerous projectile during a typhoon. The 18thWing commanding officer at Kadena Air Base issues TCCORs based on local conditions, and if the local conditions on base are considered dangerous, then the same should apply off base. Aside from it being spelled out in U.S. Forces Japan instructions and regulations, its simply common sense to stay out of danger, even if youre an old Okinawa hand whos lived on the economy for a number of years. The locals are used to it; theyve lived here all their lives and have endured scores of such rodeos. Most SOFA types havent. Leave the danger to the locals. Q. I PCSed to Okinawa a few weeks ago, and a handful of my coworkers told me about the high surf along the coasts during storms. Im from California and I live to surf. Is it dangerous to do it during typhoons on Okinawa? A. Very dangerous, because of a little thing called coral. The Ryukyu Islands are actually glorified coral reefs jutting out of the water for hundreds of miles southwest of Japans main islands. Coral differs sharply from conventional sand that you see and feel along the shores of the finest beaches in California, Florida, Hawaii and elsewhere. And coral has the consistency and texture of harshly coarse sandpaper, a much less forgiving surface than youd find in those prime stateside locales. First time I went swimming on this island, at Manza Beach in 1983, my knees and elbows were scraped up big time. Then, there are coral growths that lurk below the waters surface, which can cause

untold harm should you wipe out while surfin a storm. Even sitting on shore at locales such as Zanpa or Maeda Misaki, a maverick wave can knock you off your purchase and pull you into the water. g or boogie boarding during PSWS # 1
METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS:
A tropical cyclone will affect the locality. Winds of 30-60 kph may be expected in at least 36 hours or intermittent rains may be expected within 36 hours. (When the tropical cyclone develops very close to the locality a shorter lead time of the occurrence of the winds will be specified in the warning bulletin.)

IMPACT OF THE WINDS:

Twigs and branches of small trees may be broken. Some banana plants may be tilted or downed. Some houses of very light materials (nipa and cogon) may be partially unroofed. Unless this warning signal is upgraded during the entire existence of the tropical cyclone, only very light or no damage at all may be sustained by the exposed communities. Rice crop, however, may suffer significant damage when it is in its flowering stage.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
When the tropical cyclone is strong or is intensifying and is moving closer, this signal may be upgraded to the next higher level. The waves on coastal waters may gradually develop and become bigger and higher. The people are advised to listen to the latest severe weather bulletin issued by PAGASA every six hours. In the meantime, business may be carried out as usual except when flood occur. Disaster preparedness is activated to alert status.

PSWS # 2
METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS:
A tropical cyclone will affect the the locality.

Winds of greater than 60 kph and up to 100 kph may be expected in at least 24 hours.

IMPACT OF THE WINDS:

Some coconut trees may be tilted with few others broken. Few big trees may be uprooted. Many banana plants may be downed. Rice and corn may be adversely affected. Large number of nipa and cogon houses may be partially or totally unroofed. Some old galvanized iron roofings may be peeled off. In general, the winds may bring light to moderate damage to the exposed communities.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
The sea and coastal waters are dangerous to small seacrafts Special attention should be given to the latest position, the direction and speed of movement and the intensity of the storm as it may intensify and move towards the locality. The general public especially people travelling by sea and air are cautioned to avoid unnecessary risks. Outdoor activities of children should be postponed. Secure properties before the signal is upgraded. Disaster preparedness agencies / organizations are in action to alert their communities.

PSWS # 3
METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS:
A tropical cyclone will affect the locality. Winds of greater than 100 kph up to 185 kph may be expected in at least 18 hours.

IMPACT OF THE WINDS:

Many coconut trees may be broken or destroyed. Almost all banana plants may be downed and a large number of trees may be uprooted. Rice and corn crops may suffer heavy losses. Majority of all nipa and cogon houses may be unroofed or destroyed and there may be considerable damage to structures of light to medium construction. There may be widespread disruption of electrical power and communication services. In general, moderate to heavy damage may be experienced,

particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
The disturbance is dangerous to the communities threatened/affected. The sea and coastal waters will be very dangerous to all seacrafts. Travel is very risky especially by sea and air. People are advised to seek shelter in strong buildings, evacuate low-lying areas and to stay away from the coasts and river banks. Watch out for the passage of the "eye" of the typhoon indicated by a sudden occurrence of fair weather immediately after very bad weather with very strong winds coming gnerally from the north. When the "eye" of the typhoon hit the community do not venture away from the safe shelter because after one to two hours the worst weather will resume with the very strong winds coming from the south. Classes in all levels should be suspended and children should stay in the safety of strong buildings. Disaster preparedness and response agencies/organizations are in action with appropriate response to actual emergency.

PSWS # 4
METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS:
A very intense typhoon will affect the locality. Very strong winds of more than 185 kph may be expected in at least 12 hours.

IMPACT OF THE WINDS:

Coconut plantation may suffer extensive damage. Many large trees may be uprooted. Rice and corn plantation may suffer severe losses. Most residential and institutional buildings of mixed construction may be severely damaged. Electrical power distribution and communication services may be severely disrupted. In the overall, damage to affected communities can be very heavy.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
The situation is potentially very destructive to the community. All travels and outdoor activities should be cancelled. Evacuation to safer shelters should have been completed

since it may be too late under this situation. With PSWS #4, the locality is very likely to be hit directly by the eye of the typhoon. As the eye of the typhoon approaches, the weather will continuously worsen with the winds increasing to its strongest coming generally from the north. Then a sudden improvement of the weather with light winds (a lull) will be experienced. This means that the eye of the typhoon is over the locality. This improved weather may last for one to two hours depending on the diameter of the eye and the speed of movement. As the eye moves out of the locality, the worst weather experienced before the lull will suddenly commence. This time the very strong winds will come generally from the south. The disaster coordinating councils concerned and other disaster response organizations are now fully responding to emergencies and in full readiness to immediately respond to possible calamity.

FOOTNOTES: Important to note that when any Public Storm Warning Signal Number is hoisted or
put in effect for the first time, the corresponding meteorological conditions are not yet prevailing over the locality. This is because the purpose of the signal is to warn the impending occurrence of the given meteorological conditions. It must be noted also that the approximate lead time to expect the range of the wind speeds given for each signal number is valid only when the signal number is put in effect for the first time. Thus, the associated meteorological conditions are still expected in at least 36 hours when PSWS #1 is put in effect initially; in at least 24 hours with PSWS #2; in at least 18 hours with PSWS #3; and in at least 12 hours with PSWS #4. The lead time shortens correspondingly in the subsequent issues of the warning bulletin when the signal number remains in effect as the tropical cyclone comes closer. It is also important to remember that tropical cyclones are constantly in motion; generally towards the Philippines when PAGASA is issuing the warning. Therefore, the Public Storm Warning Signal Number over a threatened/ affected locality may be sequentially upgraded or downgraded. This means that PSWS #1 may be be upgraded to PSWS #2, then to PSWS #3 and to PSWS #4 as necessary when a very intense typhoon is approaching or downgraded when the typhoon is moving away. However, in case of rapid improvement of the weather condition due to the considerable weakening or acceleration of speed of movement of the tropical cyclone moving away from the country, the downgrading of signal may jump one signal level. For example, PSWS #3 may be downgraded to PSWS #1 or all signals from PSWS #2 may be lowered. The delineation of areas for a given signal number is based on the intensity, size of circulation and the forecast direction and speed of movement of the tropical storm or typhoon at the time of issue of the warning bulletin. The change in intensity, size of circulation or movement of the tropical cyclone also determines the change in the PSWS number over a given locality.

Typhoon Signals
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Typhoon Signals

Weather is very important to all of us. It influences our choice of food, clothing, means of transportation and recreation. Every morning we want to know what kind of weather we are going to have. The daily weather forecasts in the newspaper, T. V. and radio help us plan our day. Typhoon Signals are storm warnings. They help people take precautionary measures to prevent damage to life and property. Kinds of Typhoon Signals Typhoon Signal No. 1 - a disturbance is existing. Be alert. Classes are suspended for pre-school and primary levels. Winds of 30-60 kph. may be expected within 36 hours. No. 2 - A disturbance is approaching. Stay indoors. Classes are suspended for pre-schoo, primary and elementary. Winds of 60 - 100 kph. may be expected within 24 hours. No. 3 - disturbances is dangerous to locality. Everybody is advised to stay home. Classes in all levels are automatically suspended. Winds of 100 kph. to 185 kph. maybe expected within 18 hours. No. 4 - Very strong winds of more than 185 kph. maybe expected within 12 hours.

Disasters are often caused by natural occurrences such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, storms, floods, and typhoons. Although these natural occurrences cannot be prevented, the damages that they cause maybe minimized if people take precautionary measures. When a typhoon occurs, it could cause a lot of damages to properties and lives. Strong typhoons may bring strong winds that can blow down houses and other properties. The heavy rain that usually accompanies a typhoon could also be destructive because it may cause flood, flash floods, erosion and over flowing of rivers. All these factors could cause damages to properties and lives curing typhoon. In order to lessen the damages that can happen during a typhoon there are precautionary measures that people should take before, during and after a typhoon. Before Check the roofs, windows doors and chimneys for any leaks or weak parts and repair them before rainy season comes. Reinforce posts and walls that are weak. Cut all branches of trees around your house that could be a cause of damage to your house. Check all electrical wiring if they are safe.

 Stock up an adequate supply of all consumables such as rice, canned foods and all kinds of food that could last for a few days. Stock up sufficient supply of drinking water and water for other purposes. Be ready for flashlights, batteries and other lighting materials. Prepare a radio and batteries for listening to news. Teach the children on what to do during typhoon. Pack a bag with clothes that you can use in case of evacuation. Clean all water drainage and canals. During Always listen to he latest news about the typhoon. Do not leave your house if you are sure that it is safe. If you are outdoors stay away from electric posts and wires. Avoid low-lying areas that are prone to floods. Be ready to evacuate if needed. Do not leave the evacuation center unless you are told to do. Leave your house as soon as you feel that you are not safe. Boil drinking water or be ready for bottled drinks. Do not go out if there are no important errands. It is safer to stay at home during typhoon. After Inspect all electrical wiring and water pipes for any damages and get the experts to repair them. Use slippers to protect your feet from any sharp objects that may have fallen. Stay away from electrical wires that have fallen. Repair any damages in the house. Boil your drinking water to make sure you are drinking safe water. Stay away from flood waters because they can cause water borne diseases. Clear everything that the typhoon has caused. These precautionary measures could save lives and lessen damages to properties when they are seriously complied with.