EXPLAINER: What Signal No. 5 means and what you should do to stay safe

When Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong) battered parts of the Philippines on Sunday, five areas in Luzon were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5 — the highest alert level issued by state weather bureau PAGASA.

But what exactly does Signal No. 5 mean? And what preparations should be made when this warning is raised?

The highest level of typhoon alert

According to PAGASA, Signal No. 5 is raised when a super typhoon packs winds of 185 kilometers per hour or higher, expected to hit within 12 hours or less.

This signal level means that extremely strong and life-threatening winds are imminent.

According to an Unang Balita report on Monday, when Signal No. 5 is in effect, residents can expect:

• Severe damage to houses made of light materials.
• Even sturdy homes may sustain roof and wall damage due to the intense winds.
• Serious danger to anyone caught outdoors — both people and animals.
• Widespread power outages, water supply cuts, and loss of communication signals as power and cell towers are toppled.
• Suspension of public transportation and disruption of essential services.
• Massive destruction of crops and trees across affected areas.

Timing and preparation 

PAGASA issues Signal No. 5 around 12 hours before the expected onset of these destructive winds — giving residents a limited window to secure their homes and evacuate if needed.

Disaster officials emphasize the following safety reminders:

• Evacuate immediately if living near coastal, flood-prone, or landslide-risk zones.
• Stay indoors and move to the safest part of your home, away from windows and doors.
• Secure loose objects that could be lifted by strong winds.
• Prepare an emergency kit with food, water, medicines, flashlights, and important documents.
• Monitor updates from PAGASA and local authorities for real-time warnings and advisories.

The Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) system is a five-level alert scale that tells communities when and how strong the winds from a tropical cyclone are expected to be:

• Signal No. 1: 39–61 km/h within 36 hours
• Signal No. 2: 62–88 km/h within 24 hours
• Signal No. 3: 89–117 km/h within 18 hours
• Signal No. 4: 118–184 km/h within 12 hours
• Signal No. 5: 185 km/h or higher within 12 hours or less

PAGASA reminds the public that even lower signal levels can bring dangerous winds and rain — but Signal No. 5 represents the most catastrophic scenario.

As seen during the passage of Super Typhoon Uwan, strong preparation, quick evacuation, and strict compliance with government advisories can make the difference between safety and tragedy.

Uwan weakened into a typhoon early Monday then exited the Luzon landmass, PAGASA said.

TCWS Nos. 4, 3, 2, and 1 were raised in some areas in Luzon and Visayas, according to PAGASA's 8 a.m. bulletin.—Sherylin Untalan/KG, GMA Integrated News