Philippine Typhoon Signals 1–5: What Each Level Actually Means

The five levels

PAGASA issues Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals from 1 to 5, rising with expected wind strength. Signals are issued per area, so check your own province or city rather than the headline maximum.

How suspensions are decided

Classes are typically tied to signal levels, with local governments able to declare additional suspensions. Private employers usually decide for themselves — school closure does not mean your office is closed. Follow PAGASA and official LGU channels, not forwarded screenshots.

Prepare for three days without power or water

• Drinking water
• Power banks and torches
• Food needing no refrigeration
• Cash — card terminals and ATMs fail during outages
• Medication and baby supplies

In high-rise condos, outages stop lifts and water pumps. Filling containers before landfall is standard local practice.

Cancelled flights

Monitor airline notices proactively, rebook early while seats last, and handle connecting segments together. If a delay threatens your visa validity, extend promptly — weather does not automatically excuse overstay.

During the storm

• Stay inside sturdy structures, away from windows
• Do not wade through floodwater — open manholes and electrical hazards
• The eye brings sudden calm; it is not over, and the reversed second half is often stronger