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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.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
uses its own naming scheme for tropical cyclones
within the Philippine Area of Responsibility,
regardless of whether it forms within or enters
from beyond. These unique identifiers are
usually local nicknames for people; should the
list of names for a given year be exhausted,
names are taken from an auxiliary list, the first
ten of which (i.e. those beginning in letter A-J)
are published every year.

There are no names
that begin with the Filipino letters , NG and X.
2014
Agaton Basyang Caloy Domeng Ester Florita Glenda Henry Inday Jose Kanor Luis Mario
Neneng Ompong Paeng Queenie Ruby Seniang Tomas Usman Venus Waldo Yayang Zeny
auxiliary: Agila Bagwis Chito Diego Elena Felino Gunding Harriet Indang Jessa
2015
Amang Betty Chedeng Dodong Egay Falcon Goring Hanna Ineng Jenny Kabayan Lando Marilyn
Nonoy Onyok Perla Quiel Ramon Sarah Tisoy Ursula Viring Weng Yoyoy Zigzag
auxiliary: Abe Berto Charo Dado Estoy Felion Gening Herman Irma Jaime
2016
Ambo Butchoy Carina Dindo Enteng Ferdie Gener Helen Igme Julian Karen Lawin Marce
Nina Ofel Pepito Quinta Rolly Siony Tonyo Ulysses Vicky Warren Yoyong Zosimo
auxiliar
y:
Alakdan Baldo Clara Dencio Estong Felipe Gardo Heling Ismael Julio
2017
Auring Bising Crising Dante Emong Fabian Gorio Huaning Isang Jolina Kiko Lannie Maring
Nando Odette Paolo Quedan Ramil Salome Tino Urduja Vinta Wilma Yasmin Zoraida
auxiliary: Alamid Bruno Conching Dolor Ernie Florante Gerardo Hernan Isko Jerome
Sources for tropical cyclone names.
Tropical Cyclone Intensity

Tropical cyclone intensity is defined by the maximum
mean wind speed over open flat land or water. This is sometimes
referred to as the maximum sustained wind and will be
experienced around the eye-wall of the cyclone.
Mean Winds and Gusts

Mean Wind: In most of the world the mean wind speed is
defined as the wind speed averaged over a period of 10
minutes. It should be measured at 10 m above the
surface. The major exception is the USA where they use a 1-
minute average.

Wind Gust: In most of the world the wind gust speed is
defined as the wind speed averaged over 2 or 3 seconds (in
Australia we use 3 seconds).