Typhoon

A typhoon is a mature tropical cyclone that develops in the western part of the North Pacific Ocean between 180° and 100°E. This region is referred to as the Northwestern Pacific Basin, and is the most active tropical cyclone basin on Earth, accounting for almost one-third of the world's annual tropical cyclones.

For organizational purposes, the northern Pacific Ocean is divided into three regions: the eastern (North America to 140°W), central (140° to 180°W), and western (180° to 100°E). The Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) for tropical cyclone forecasts is in Japan, with other tropical cyclone warning centers for the northwest Pacific in Hawaii (the Joint Typhoon Warning Center), the Philippines and Hong Kong. While the RSMC names each system, the main name list itself is coordinated among 18 countries that have territories threatened by typhoons each year. Only the Philippines use their own naming list for systems approaching the country.

Within the northwestern Pacific there are no official typhoon seasons as tropical cyclones form throughout the year. Like any tropical cyclone, there are six main requirements for typhoon formation and development: sufficiently warm sea surface temperatures, atmospheric instability, high humidity in the lower to middle levels of the troposphere, enough Coriolis force to develop a low pressure center, a pre-existing low level focus or disturbance, and low vertical wind shear. While the majority of storms form between June and November, a few storms do occur between December and May (although tropical cyclone formation is at a minimum during that time). On average, the northwestern Pacific features the most numerous and intense tropical cyclones globally.

Like other basins, they are steered by the subtropical ridge towards the west or northwest, with some systems recurving near and east of Japan.

The Philippines receive the brunt of the landfalls, with China and Japan being impacted slightly less. Some of the deadliest typhoons in history have struck China. Southern China has the longest record of typhoon impacts for the region, with a thousand-year sample via documents within their archives. Taiwan has received the wettest known typhoon on record for the northwest Pacific tropical cyclone basins.

You hear it from the radio and you hear it from other people. Hurricanes and typhoons. These two words seemingly summon a bad picture of devastation, crying families, and lost belongings. But what is the real difference between them? When is a storm called a hurricane and when should it be called a typhoon?

What’s what?

If we are trying to be exact about terminologies here, hurricanes and typhoons mean the same thing. To make it easier for you, we listed the difference and similarities of hurricanes and typhoons.

Terminology

When a cyclone forms in the north Atlantic Ocean, somewhere in the northeast Pacific Ocean east of the International Date Line, or anywhere in the south Pacific Ocean located east of 160E, it is called a hurricane.

When a cyclone is born in the northwest Pacific Ocean somewhere west of the International Date Line then they are called a typhoon.

Rotation

Hurricanes rotate clockwise when in the southern hemisphere and it rotates counter-clockwise when in the northern hemisphere.

Just like hurricanes, typhoons rotate clockwise in the southern hemisphere and spin counter-clockwise in the northern hemisphere.

Intensity

When talking about the intensity of hurricanes, you need to refer to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. They are categorised from 1 to 5 and the speed of the hurricane and extent of damage increases as the category number increases.

By nature, typhoons are generally stronger than hurricanes thanks to the Pacific’s warmer waters. The intensity of typhoons can be measured through the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale but they are also classified on the Japan Meteorological Agency Typhoon Scale.

Affected areas

Most hurricanes affect areas near the Caribbean sea.

Typhoons generally hit areas in South East Asia and near the China Sea.

Frequency

It is considered lucky if we see less than ten hurricanes a year but 10-15 is the average yearly visit.

People in southeast Asia have it hard. Especially when 25 typhoons knock at your front door at the minimum per year.

In truth, there are only minor differences when it comes to hurricanes and typhoons. It all depends on where they are formed and of course the areas they will hit. One big similarity between them is that they can cause a lot of damage to unprepared areas. People who don’t know they are coming are usually the ones that are hit bad. When you know what to do during such an event, you are prepared to face the worst and in turn you lessen the property and human damage. Everybody wants that, right?

That’s why storm preparedness should be practiced by all. People should be more aware of storm alerts and that makes it easier for you to react and plan accordingly during a typhoon or hurricane. Visit learn.stormalerts.com for more information on storm preparedness and find out how you can save your family by planning out a perfect disaster plan.

Before a typhoon hits

To prepare for a Typhoon, you should take the following measures:

To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Know your surroundings.
Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecast.
Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
Learn community Typhoon evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
Make plans to secure your property:
Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
In a strong typhoon, A LOOSE OBJECT IS A MISSILE!
Determine how and where to secure your boat.
If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.

During a Typhoon

If a Typhoon is likely in your area, you should:

Listen to the radio or TV for information.
Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
Turn off utilities (electricity) if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Turn off LPG tanks
Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
Moor your boat if time permits.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.
Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
If you live in a weak home or temporary structure – such shelter are particularly hazardous during Typhoon no matter how well fastened to the ground.
If you live in a high-rise building – Typhoon winds are stronger at higher elevations.
If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island waterway.

Read more about evacuating yourself and your family. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

Stay indoors during the Typhoon and away from windows and glass doors.
Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
Avoid elevators.

After a Typhoon passes.

Continue listening to Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the Typhoon or tropical storm has ended.
If you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or check the Emergency Numbers Plan
If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
Stay off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage before entering.
Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

Typhoon

Before a typhoon hits

During a Typhoon

After a Typhoon passes.

Other links