Philippine Typhoon Wind Signals Explained
When a typhoon approaches, PAGASA raises a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal over each area — a number from 1 to 5 that tells you how strong the winds will be and roughly how soon. Reading them correctly is the heart of typhoon preparedness.
How the signals work
The signal is not a measure of the typhoon's overall strength but a local warning: it reflects the wind expected in your area and the lead time before it arrives. A higher number means stronger winds and less time to prepare. Signals are raised and lowered as the storm moves.
The five wind signals
| Signal | Expected winds | Lead time | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | ~39–61 km/h | within 36 hrs | Minimal damage; secure loose items, monitor updates. |
| No. 2 | ~62–88 km/h | within 24 hrs | Light-to-moderate damage; prepare to evacuate low-lying areas. |
| No. 3 | ~89–117 km/h | within 18 hrs | Moderate-to-heavy damage; suspend classes, evacuate as advised. |
| No. 4 | ~118–184 km/h | within 12 hrs | Heavy-to-very-heavy damage; complete all preparations, shelter. |
| No. 5 | >185 km/h | within 12 hrs | Super typhoon; catastrophic, widespread damage likely. |
Wind ranges and lead times are approximate; PAGASA is the authority on current definitions. Signal No. 5 was added after Super Typhoon Haiyan to flag super-typhoon conditions.
What to do at each stage
Use the lower signals as your window to act: stock water, food, batteries, and medicine, charge devices, and know your evacuation centre. By Signals 3 to 5, you should already be sheltered in a sturdy building or evacuation centre, well away from the coast and rivers. Remember that storm surge, not wind, is often the biggest killer — heed coastal evacuation orders even if the wind seems survivable.