Mga storm signal, sa simpleng salita
PAGASA raises a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal for the areas in a storm's path, Metro Manila included when one tracks near. This is what each number means for your day.
The real danger in Metro Manila is water, not wind. The metro is flat, low, and paved, so heavy rain has nowhere to go. A storm that barely moves the trees can still put whole districts under water. Read the signal as a warning about rain and flooding, not just wind.
Kapag dumating ang ulan
Metro Manila has a clear wet and dry season, unlike the southern islands. The dry months are mostly comfortable; the wet months bring the flooding the city is known for.
Ano ang bumabaha, at saan
Flooding in the metro is about how flat and paved it is, plus the rivers and the tide. Some spots go under within minutes of a hard downpour, and stay flooded long after the rain stops.
- Low-lying riverside areas near the Marikina River (Marikina, parts of Pasig, Cainta just outside) rise fast and are the first to be evacuated in a big storm.
- The northern coastal cities (Malabon, Navotas, low parts of Caloocan and Valenzuela) sit at or below sea level and flood from rain and high tide together.
- España Boulevard and parts of Manila (Sampaloc, low Quiapo and Tondo streets) are notorious for fast, deep street flooding.
- Underpasses and low junctions along EDSA and the major roads flood and trap vehicles in the same spots every year. Locals know them, which is why the forum is worth reading before you drive.
Nagpo-post ang mga residente ng kasalukuyang kalagayan ng mga kalsada sa Alerts board. Ito ang pinakamabilis na larawan ng madaraanan ngayon, dahil nanggaling ito sa mga taong bago pa lang nagmaneho dito.
Kuryente, tubig, at internet
- Ang brownout ay sumusunod sa bagyo, hindi sabay dito. Ang mga ilaw ay kadalasang nananatili sa buong hangin at mawawala pagkatapos, kapag pinuputol ng mga crew ang kuryente para maayos na malinis ang mga linya.
- I-charge ang lahat isang araw bago itinaas ang signal. Mas mahalaga dito ang power bank kaysa flashlight.
- Humihina o huminto ang water pressure kapag nawawalan ng kuryente ang mga pump. Punuin ang mga sisidlan ng maaga.
- Ang mobile data ay karaniwang mas matagal kaysa fibre. Kapag mawawala ang internet, kadalasan ay nagdadala pa rin ng mensahe ang network.
- Cash bago ang bagyo. Ang ATM at card terminal ang unang huhulog, at sila ang huling babalik.
Getting around in bad weather
- The trains are your best bet. LRT and MRT keep running through most rain when the roads are gridlocked or flooded — though they crowd hard and can suspend at the highest signals.
- Grab and taxis surge and vanish the moment heavy rain starts. Book early, or you will not get a car.
- Avoid the known flood roads. A flooded underpass or low street can strand you for hours; the long way round on higher ground is faster.
- For NAIA, leave far earlier than usual in the wet season. Flights are cancelled late, but flooded roads to the airport are the more common problem.
Bago ang bagyo, sundin ang ayos na ito: cash out, charge up, fill water. Then two days of food. Move the car to higher ground if you are in a flood area, and tell someone where you are. Everything else can wait.