What Is Watapai (Windstorm)? Depression, Tropical Storm, Typhoon and How to Prepare
Quick summary Watapai means a hazard caused by windstorms; "wat" means wind. In Thailand it usually comes from tropical cyclones in the rainy season and summer storms from March to April. The Thai Meteorological Department classifies tropical cyclones by maximum wind speed near the center: depression (below 63 km/h), tropical storm (63–118 km/h) and typhoon (118 km/h and above).
ข่าวพายุเข้าไทยมักมาพร้อมคำว่าวาตภัย ดีเปรสชัน และไต้ฝุ่น บทความนี้สรุปว่าแต่ละคำหมายถึงอะไร พายุแบบไหนอันตรายแค่ไหน และควรเตรียมตัวอย่างไร โดยเรียบเรียงจากข้อมูลของกรมอุตุนิยมวิทยาและกรมป้องกันและบรรเทาสาธารณภัย
What Is Watapai (Windstorm)?
Watapai comes from "wat" meaning wind and "phai" meaning danger, so it means a hazard caused by strong winds that damage homes, trees and power poles. Storms also often bring heavy rain that leads toUtokkaphaias well
Windstorms are one of the public disasters under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act B.E. 2550. Read about other hazard terms at What Is a Disaster?
What kinds of storms cause windstorm disasters?
DDPM groups the storms that cause windstorm disasters into 3 main types
| Storm | Characteristics | When it occurs in Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical cyclone | A large storm that forms over the sea, with strong winds and heavy rain over a wide area | Rainy season |
| Summer storm | Thunderstorms with strong gusts, sometimes with hail, over a limited area | Mostly March to April, frequent in the North and Northeast |
| Waterspout / tornado | A violent funnel-shaped whirlwind that extends down from the base of a thundercloud | Occasionally |
Tropical cyclones have different names depending on where they form: typhoons in the northwest Pacific, hurricanes in the Atlantic, and cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Depression, tropical storm and typhoon: what is the difference?
The Thai Meteorological Department classifies tropical cyclones by maximum wind speed near the center
| Level | Maximum wind speed near the center |
|---|---|
| Tropical depression | Below 63 km/h |
| Tropical storm | 63–118 km/h |
| Typhoon | 118 km/h and above |
Even a depression can bring heavy rain and flooding, so do not judge by the storm level alone. Always read the Thai Meteorological Department's warnings together with theRain radaras well
How to read windstorm warnings
When a storm approaches Thailand, the Thai Meteorological Department issues numbered announcements in sequence. Each one states the storm level, the position of its center, its direction of movement, the areas expected to be affected and the dates when effects are expected. Always read the latest one, because a storm's path can change at any time.
- Check whether the province you live in or are traveling to is in the announced area
- Check the dates of expected impact and plan to avoid traveling then
- If you live by the sea, follow warnings about strong waves and stay ashore as announced
- If you live near hills or mountains, watch for runoff from the hills and landslides after prolonged heavy rain
Dealing with windstorms before, during and after a storm
| Stage | What to do |
|---|---|
| Before the storm | Follow warnings, trim dry or weak branches, secure objects around the house, prepare a flashlight, drinking water and food, and check that your car is ready |
| During the storm | Stay in a sturdy building, keep doors and windows shut, and stay away from large trees, billboards and power poles |
| After the storm | Help the injured, stay away from broken or sagging power lines, and report damaged utilities to the authorities |
During storms, phone signals may go down, so two-way radio is another way to follow the situation. See everything in one place at thesituation-checking toolson the homepage
Ask E26BLC for free on Messenger, or check live flood reports and rain radar before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
What does watapai mean?
Literally, a hazard from wind: "wat" means wind and "phai" means danger.
What is watapai in English?
Storm or windstorm. A tropical cyclone is a large storm that forms over warm seas.
Are typhoons, hurricanes and cyclones different?
They are all tropical cyclones; only the name differs depending on where they form.
When do summer storms occur?
In Thailand they mostly occur from March to April and are frequent in the North and Northeast.
Is a tropical depression dangerous?
Its winds are weaker than a tropical storm or typhoon, but it can bring prolonged heavy rain that causes floods and landslides, so always follow the announcements.
What number should I call in a windstorm?
For help, call the DDPM hotline 1784. If a tree or power pole blocks the road, report it to 1784 or 191. See other numbers atall emergency hotlines
Summary
A windstorm is a hazard from strong winds. In Thailand it comes from tropical cyclones in the rainy season and summer storms from March to April. Storm levels are based on wind speed near the center, but even a depression can cause flooding. Following warnings and preparing your home in advance are the most effective ways to cope.
Sources: Thai Meteorological Department: tropical cyclone levels
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation: windstorms
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act B.E. 2550 (2007)
Compiled by E26BLC
Ask about anything: floods, evacuation routes and two-way radio
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