Typhoon categories, watch vs. warning, cyclones: What do all those storm terms mean?
Not familiar with storm jargon? Here are definitions of some storm terminology to help you stay informed.
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Conditions of Readiness
Government preparedness and response actions are organized into four levels, according to Guam Homeland Security. These levels are called Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness and are implemented by the governor through the Office of Civil Defense.
Condition of Readiness 4:
Damaging winds (39 mph sustained or higher) may arrive on island within 72 hours. Because Guam is always at risk of damaging winds impacting the island within 72 hours, the island is always in Condition of Readiness 4.
Condition of Readiness 3:
Damaging winds may arrive within 48 hours. At this time, you should:
- Review, update your family disaster plan
- Buy and replenish supplies for your disaster kit
- Fill up car(s) with gas
- Secure outdoor objects
- Prepare household for long term power and water loss (laundry, outdoor cooking, etc.)
- Monitor weather updates
Condition of Readiness 2:
- Close and secure shutters
- Fill containers with water
- Move vehicles to a secure and protected area
- Review family disaster plan with entire family
- Seek emergency shelter if home is not fully concrete or prepared to withstand damaging winds
- Monitor weather updates
Damaging winds may arrive within 24 hours. At this time, you should:
Condition of Readiness 1:
Damaging winds are occurring or expected within 12 hours.
Only emergency personnel and vehicles allowed outside; stay inside to avoid possible injury or worse.
Tune into radio and/or television for weather updates, or to GuamPDN.com on your laptop, phone or tablet.
4 kinds of tropical cyclones
Tropical depression: maximum sustained surface winds of 38 mph.
Tropical storm: sustained surface winds of 39 mph to 73 mph
Typhoon: sustained surface winds of 74 mph to 149 mph.
Super typhoon: sustained surface winds of 150 mph or more.
Watch vs. warning
Typhoon watch means typhoon-strength winds of 74 mph or greater are possible within 48 hours.
Typhoon warning means typhoon-strength winds of 74 mph or greater are possible within 24 hours.
Typhoon categories
These categories are according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Category 1: Maximum sustained winds of 74 mph to 95 mph. Very dangerous winds will produce some damage.
Category 2: Maximum sustained winds of 96 mph to 110 mph. Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage.
Category 3: Maximum sustained winds of 111 mph to 129 mph. Devastating damage will occur.
Category 4: Maximum sustained winds of 130 mph to 156 mph. Catastrophic damage will occur.
Category 5: Maximum sustained winds of 157 mph or higher. Catastrophic damage will occur.
COR 4: Always ready
Under Condition of Readiness 4, damaging winds (39 mph sustained or higher) may arrive within 72 hours. Guam is always in Condition of Readiness 4.
Build your emergency kit
Gather the supplies you need to keep your family safe until the danger has passed.
Make your communication plan
Make sure your family knows what to do and where to go when the warnings start. Decide where to meet, how to communicate.
Get your pets ready
Here's what you need to do to keep your pets safe during the storm. They'll need an emergency kit and supplies of their own.
Personal storm planner
Calculate the supplies your family will need to stay safe for three to seven days after the storm. Answer a few questions, and we'll help you get a shopping/supply list together.
Make an inventory
Document important information about your valuables, and make digital copies of your documents.