⛈️ RAINFALL WARNINGS EXPLAINED 🌧️
The color-coded rainfall warning system from PAGASA helps people understand how intense the rain will be and how it might affect their area. There are three colors: yellow, orange, and red. Each color indicates a different level of rainfall intensity and the possible dangers it brings.
1. Yellow Warning (Heavy Rain): This is the first level, meaning 7.5 to 15 mm of rain per hour, which could continue for the next two hours. For a 5-foot person, this warning level may lead to ankle-deep flooding (around 4-6 inches) in low-lying areas. People should monitor weather updates as this level can cause slight flooding that may make streets slippery or slightly difficult to navigate.
2. Orange Warning (Intense Rain): This level indicates a more intense rainfall of 15 to 30 mm per hour, potentially filling around 16 inches (or up to the knee of a 5-foot person) in low-lying areas within an hour. At this stage, moderate flooding is likely, which could reach knee to thigh levels for a 5-foot person. People are advised to stay alert, as roads could become difficult or unsafe to walk through. Landslides are also possible in hilly or mountainous areas, and evacuation may be necessary.
3. Red Warning (Torrential Rain): This is the highest and most dangerous level, with rainfall exceeding 30 mm per hour. Flooding under a red warning could quickly reach waist to chest levels (3 to 4 feet) on a 5-foot person, and in some areas, even deeper. This warning signals life-threatening floods and potential landslides, especially in hazard-prone zones. When a red warning is issued, it is crucial to follow emergency evacuation orders immediately, as roads may become impassable, and the situation can escalate rapidly.
These color-coded warnings help people prepare for heavy rains and take necessary precautions to stay safe during severe weather.
Graphics: Rappler
Information: Cebu Daily News