In the Know: Pagasa’s public storm signals
No. 4: The highest alert level for supertyphoons, with very strong winds of more than 185 kilometers per hour, may be expected in at least 12 hours. The area under storm Signal No. 4 is very likely to be hit directly by the eye of the storm and damage can be very heavy.
No. 3: Winds stronger than 100 kph up to 185 kph may be expected in at least 18 hours. Coastal waters will be very rough and dangerous to all seacraft.
No. 2: Moderate to heavy rains and gusty winds greater than 60 kph and up to 100 kph in at least 24 hours. Rough sea and coastal waters are dangerous to small seacraft. Only vessels of 2,000 tons and above are allowed to leave port.
No. 1: Occasional rains and winds of 30 to 60 kph and intermittent rains may be expected in at least 36 hours. Coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Vessels weighing 1,000 tons or below will not be allowed to leave for places which are under Signal No. 1.
Class suspension
The rules on automatic suspension of classes: Storm Signal No. 1 suspends classes in kindergarten, Signal No. 2 in elementary and high school, and Signal No. 3 in college, including graduate schools and government offices.
Sources: Pagasa, Inquirer archives, www.gov.ph
