Everything You Need to Know About Typhoons: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How to Prepare for Them

One of the most dreaded things about typhoons is the fact that they can come in such sudden, unexpected weather. Most people know that if a storm is approaching, it’s best to stay indoors and make a shelter from any available materials nearby. But what exactly is a typhoon? Is it just another hurricane-type storm?  How does one prepare for one? What are some ways to minimize damage to their home or property? Find out all these answers and more in this article! 

What Are Typhoons?

Typhoons are one of the most powerful weather phenomena on Earth. They occur in the tropics and can cause serious damage, including loss of life. Here’s everything you need to know about typhoons: A typhoon is a tropical cyclone that forms in the western Pacific Ocean. They form when warm air rises and clashes with cooler air, causing condensation and thunderstorms. Typhoons can be very destructive, with winds reaching up to 255 km/h (160 mph). Typhoons can cause extensive damage, including loss of life and destruction of infrastructure. 

Types of Typhoons

There are three types of typhoons: tropical, extra-tropical, and hybrid. 

1. Tropical typhoons form over the tropics and typically have a circular or ellipsoid shape. 
2. Extra-tropical typhoons form outside of the tropics and have a more elongated shape. 
3. Hybrid typhoons are a combination of tropical and extra-tropical characteristics. 

One common misconception about typhoons is that they always travel in a north-south direction. They can move in any direction, depending on the winds at the time they form. 

How Typhoons Affect the Lives of People

When typhoon occurs, the lives of people are affected in various ways. For example, people who are living in coastal areas may lose their homes and belongings to the storm surge. The people who are living in low-lying areas may be severely affected by flooding.  In addition, the winds that accompany a typhoon can cause extensive damage to both property and health. Not only if leave damaged properties, but it leaves damage to our climate as well. Earth’s climate is affected by the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth’s surface. The greater the wind speed, the more energy is scattered and reflected off of surfaces, resulting in a decrease in sunlight reaching Earth’s surface.  Typhoons can cause devastating damage to both land and sea. For land, typhoons can cause severe flooding, mudslides, and even tornadoes. For seaside communities, Typhoon Haiyan was one of the deadliest storms in recorded history, killing more than 7,000 people in the Philippines alone.

How Can You Prepare for a Typhoon if It’s Coming Soon?

You should always monitor weather reports for potential typhoons before they reach your area. If you live in an area that is predicted to be affected by a typhoon, make sure you have an evacuation plan ready. Here is a list of tips to help prepare for a potential typhoon:  1. Make sure you have all your essential items ready, including your food and water. 2. Pack an emergency kit that includes necessary supplies like first aid kits, blankets, and flashlights/lanterns.  3. If you live near a body of water – such as a river or bay – make sure to stay aware of safety warnings about flooding and hazardous waves.  4. If you can evacuate ahead of time, do so! Do not wait until the last minute to leave if possible.  5. Be safe during any weather conditions – be sure to wear a hat, dress appropriately for the weather, and stay aware of your surroundings. 6. Be attentive to local news and weather reports, and be prepared to take action if necessary. 7. Be cautious about storm surges and flooding. If you live in an area prone to storm surges, be sure to monitor local news for updates about potential coastal flooding. All over the world, no place is exempted from typhoons. Typhoons can occur at any time of year and even in different parts of the world. So, if you live in an area that is prone to typhoons, it’s important to be prepared for them, since we do not know when a typhoon may occur.  What we can do is be more attentive to the weather forecast and be knowledgeable of anything that can happen. One must also put in their mind the important necessities one needs, find shelter, evacuate, and don’t hesitate to help one another in this type of occurrence.