The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, March 23, unveiled its modified tropical cyclone warning system, including the redefinition of super typhoon, to provide “clearer” warnings during severe weather events.

“Kung mapapansin natin sa mga katabi nating bansa, like Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Korea, tayo po ang may pinakamataas na range ng super typhoon category. Karamihan nasa 100 knots ang super typhoon intensity. Pinalitan na po natin ito (If we have noticed, compared to our neighboring countries, like Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, and Korea, only the Philippines has the highest range of the super typhoon category. The super typhoon intensity is mostly around 100 knots in other countries. We have now changed our system),” PAGASA Weather Division OIC Jun Galang said in a virtual press conference.

PAGASA presented the modified tropical cyclone warning system on March 23, in time with the celebration of the World Meteorological Day and National Meteorological Service Day.

The revised warning system is as follows:

* Tropical Depression — with maximum winds of 39-62 kilometer per hour (kph)

Highest tropical cyclone wind signal that will be raised — Signal No. 1

* Tropical Storm — with maximum winds of 62-88 kph

Highest tropical cyclone wind signal — Signal No. 2

* Severe tropical storm — with maximum winds of 89-117 kph

Highest tropical cyclone wind signal — Signal No. 3

* Typhoon — with maximum winds of 118-184 kph

Highest tropical cyclone wind signal — Signal No. 4

* Super Typhoon — with maximum winds of 185 kph or higher

Highest tropical cyclone wind signal — Signal No. 5

In modifying the tropical cyclone warning system, PAGASA Administrator Vicente Malano said they have taken into consideration the request from its partners and the public to come up with advisories that are easier to understand.

“Ang nakikita nating weakest link ay communication. Dahil hindi naiintindihan dahil technical daw ang ating ipinapalabas (The weakest link we see is communication because the public cannot easily understand the information that is too technical,” Malano said.

Meanwhile, PAGASA Deputy Adminstrator Esperanza Cayanan said the modification was also intended to prevent confusion in the dissemination of information.

“Ang ating forecasters, meteorologists ay ni-review ang ating warning system dahil sa mga comments ng ating partners lalong lalo na yung laging kalituhan tungkol sa super typhoon (Our forecasters, meteorologists have reviewed our warning system due to the comments of our partners especially on the constant confusion about the super typhoon),” Cayanan said.

“Yung wind signal numbers natin nakatapat na doon sa type o category ng tropical cyclone. Tropical depression, Signal No. 1. Tropical storm, Signal No. 2. Severe tropical storm, Signal No. 3, and so on. So doon pa lang mas madali maintindihan ng tao yung mga wind signals at category kung gaano kataas ang wind signal ng bawat category (The wind signal numbers are already in line with the type or category of tropical cyclone. Tropical depression, Signal No. 1. Tropical storm, Signal No. 2. Severe tropical storm, Signal No. 3, and so on. So it is easier for the people to understand the wind signals and categories—how high the wind signal of each category is),” she added.

Cayanan said the weather forecasters have produced video materials that will be uploaded to the PAGASA’s various social media platforms so that more people will learn about the changes in the tropical cyclone warning system.

Moreover, Galang said that PAGASA also revised its tropical cyclone forecast chart.

Some modifications include improved depiction of probability cone; added areas with at least strong winds (yellow-orange region) and at least storm-form winds (maroon region); simplified observed track segment to ensure focus on the track and intensity forecast; and inclusion of DOST and PAGASA logos.

#Super Typhoon

PAGASA simplifies cyclone warning system; re-evaluates super typhoon

Signal No. 4 hoisted over Babuyan Island as typhoon 'Kiko' further intensifies; may become a super typhoon -- PAGASA

'Kiko' nears super typhoon category -- PAGASA