Davao Region Storm Signal no. 1

In my lifetime, I have never heard of the Davao region being affected by storms. Not until today that is, when the whole of Davao Region received a storm signal no. 1 because of Tropical Depression Tonyo. (Update: Tonyo is already slightly weakening as it enters Eastern Mindanao.)

I heard that the last time a storm affected the Davao Region was on October 1970.

What is a Signal no. 1?

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration's (PAGASA) website a storm signal no. 1 has the following attributes.

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS: A tropical cyclone will affect the locality. Winds of 30-60 kph may be expected in at least 36 hours or intermittent rains may be expected within 36 hours. (When the tropical cyclone develops very close to the locality a shorter lead time of the occurrence of the winds will be specified in the warning bulletin.)

IMPACT OF THE WINDS: Twigs and branches of small trees may be broken. Some banana plants may be tilted or downed. Some houses of very light materials (nipa and cogon) may be partially unroofed. Unless this warning signal is upgraded during the entire existence of the tropical cyclone, only very light or no damage at all may be sustained by the exposed communities. Rice crop, however, may suffer significant damage when it is in its flowering stage.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: When the tropical cyclone is strong or is intensifying and is moving closer, this signal may be upgraded to the next higher level. The waves on coastal waters may gradually develop and become bigger and higher. The people are advised to listen to the latest severe weather bulletin issued by PAGASA every six hours. In the meantime, business may be carried out as usual except when flood occur. Disaster preparedness is activated to alert status.

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