Understanding Philippine Typhoons
The Philippines is affected by an average of 20 tropical cyclones each year, more than any other country in the Western Pacific basin. This wiki explains the mechanics behind that exposure: how PAGASA classifies a storm from tropical depression to super typhoon, what each numbered wind signal means for your area, how local and international naming systems work side by side, and what separates genuine safety preparation from guesswork.
Every guide here is written to stay accurate over time, covering mechanics and reference facts rather than any single season. For seasonal outlook figures, PAGASA bulletins, and the current classification and signal charts, see the typhoon guide. Start with wind signals if you are preparing for an active warning, or with typhoon basics if you want to understand the storm itself before it reaches your province.
Start Here
The three most useful entry points if this is your first visit.
🚩 PAGASA Wind Signals
If a signal has just been raised in your area, this explains what the number means.
Foundational📖 Typhoon Basics
Formation, structure, and why storms strengthen or weaken before landfall.
Seasonal🏷️ Typhoon Names
Why PAGASA and international names differ for the same storm, and how retirement works.
Browse the Wiki
Reference guides covering the mechanics, warnings, safety, and history of Philippine typhoons.
Typhoon Basics
How typhoons form, their structure, and why they strengthen or weaken.
🚩PAGASA Wind Signals
What Signal No. 1 through No. 5 mean for wind speed and safety.
🏷️Typhoon Names
How PAGASA and international naming systems work, and why names get retired.
📚Glossary
Storm surge, eyewall, ITCZ, and other terms defined.
Safety and Preparation
What to do before, during, and after a typhoon hits.
Storm Categories
The difference between a tropical depression, tropical storm, and super typhoon.
Typhoon History
The Philippines most destructive storms and their lasting impact.
Records
Strongest winds, longest duration, and other extremes on record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the typhoon guide and the typhoon wiki?
The typhoon guide covers the current season: PAGASA bulletins, seasonal outlook figures, and up to date classification and signal charts. The typhoon wiki is a reference hub covering how typhoons work, PAGASA classification, naming, safety, and history, information that stays accurate regardless of the current season.
How are typhoons named in the Philippines?
PAGASA assigns a local Philippine name once a tropical cyclone enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility and reaches tropical storm strength, separate from the international name assigned by the Japan Meteorological Agency or the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
What is the highest PAGASA wind signal number?
Signal No. 5 is the highest level in PAGASA's Modified Tropical Cyclone Warning System, issued for sustained winds of 185 kph or higher.
What is the deadliest typhoon in Philippine history?
Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) in 2013 is widely regarded as the deadliest typhoon to hit the Philippines in modern record, due largely to the storm surge that struck Tacloban and surrounding coastal areas.
What is storm surge and how is it different from flooding?
Storm surge is an abnormal rise in sea level driven by a typhoon's wind and pressure, arriving with the storm itself. River and rainfall flooding is separate and often follows days later as runoff drains from higher ground.
Last updated: September 15, 2026. Sources: PAGASA (About Tropical Cyclones, classification system as of March 2022), NDRRMC historical situation reports. About azifind.com →