Super Typhoon HAIYAN / Yolanda – a big menace

First of all sorry for the month off. I had been traveling between snow, ice and rocks and Röschti.

Super Typhoon HAIYAN / Yolanda, currently a Cat. 4 Typhoon, is approaching the Philippines.

The probability cone is still large and goes from Camiguin in the south to Pampanga in the north. If the storm is a straight-runner it will hit the south. If it follows a “Coriolis” track, it will hit rather the center to north.

The JMA forecast previews a “Coriolis” track, meaning that the typhoon will turn from west to north-west.

At 5:00 p.m. today the storm had been at 210 km east of the Philippines Area of Responsibility (PAR). With its forward speed of  41 km/h in direction West to WNW, the storm will enter PAR around 2:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. This forward speed is very high. Usual typhoons move at around 20 km/h.

All forecast models converge in a nearly single track. Landfall will be in southern Samar and then the typhoon will run towards northern Panay and Boracay. It might directly affect southern Mindoro.

Storm data:

Name (INTL. / local):	HAIYAN / Yolanda
Class:	Super Typhoon Category 4
Time/Date of observation:	05:00 PM on November 06, 2013
Location of Center:	7.7º North 136.9º East
Moving Direction and Speed:	West – WNW @ 41 km/h  (extreme!)
Moving towards:	Southern Samar
Distance from the Philippines:	1210 km ESE of Siargao Island
Estimated Date / Time of Landfall:	~ 11:00 AM on November 8, 2013
Max. Wind Speed near Center:	250 km/h
Peak Wind Gusts:	305 km/h
Minimum Central Pressure:	922 hPa
Diameter:	720 km
24h Rainfall near Center:	455 mm
Max. Wave Height:	12 m = 40 ft
Here you find how to read and understand this data

 Current weather is here 

 Animated weather movies are here 

Please find below some hints:

Do now:

• Store an adequate supply of food and clean water. Prepare food that need not be cooked.
• Keep flashlights, candles and battery-powered radios within easy reach.
• Examine your house and repair its unstable parts.
• Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report.
• Secure domesticated animals in a safe place.
• For fisher folks, place boats in a safe area.

During the typhoon:

• Stay inside the house.
• Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report.
• If safe drinking water is not available, boil water for at least 20 minutes. Place it in a container with cover.
• Keep an eye on lighted candles or gas lamps.
• Do not wade through floodwaters to avoid being electrocuted and contracting diseases.

If there is a need to move to an evacuation center, follow these reminders:

• Evacuate calmly.
• Close the windows and turn off the main power switch.
• Put important appliances and belongings in a high ground.
• Avoid the way leading to the river.
• Bring clothes, first aid kit, candles/flashlight, battery-powered radio, food, etc.

After the typhoon:
 

• If your house is destroyed, make sure that it is stable when you enter.
• Beware of dangerous animals such as snakes that may have entered your house.
• Watch out for live wires or outlet immersed in water.
• Report damaged electrical cables and fallen electric posts to the authorities.
• Do not let water accumulate in tires, cans or pots to avoid creating a favorable condition for mosquito breeding.