When PAGASA issues a rainfall advisory, it uses a simple colour-coded system to communicate the intensity of rainfall and the associated flood risk. Understanding what Yellow, Orange, and Red rainfall warnings mean — and how quickly conditions can escalate — is essential for anyone living in a flood-prone area of the Philippines.
The PAGASA Rainfall Advisory System
The colour-coded rainfall advisory system was introduced to give the public a clear, immediate sense of how dangerous current or expected rainfall is. The system is based on the amount of rainfall recorded or forecast over a one-hour period, measured in millimetres (mm).
| Advisory Level | Rainfall Rate | Flood Risk | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 7.5–15 mm/hr | Possible flooding in low-lying areas | Stay alert; avoid flood-prone areas |
| Orange | 15–30 mm/hr | Flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas | Prepare to evacuate; move valuables upstairs |
| Red | More than 30 mm/hr | Serious flooding; life-threatening conditions | Evacuate immediately if in flood-prone area |
Yellow Rainfall Advisory
A Yellow advisory is issued when rainfall is between 7.5 and 15 millimetres per hour. At this rate, drainage systems in urban areas may begin to struggle, and low-lying streets can accumulate water. This is the time to stay alert, monitor updates from PAGASA and your local government, and avoid crossing flooded roads or streams. If you live near a river or in a known flood-prone barangay, begin moving important documents and valuables to higher ground as a precaution.
Orange Rainfall Advisory
An Orange advisory signals rainfall between 15 and 30 millimetres per hour — heavy enough to overwhelm most urban drainage systems and cause flooding in low-lying areas within minutes. At this level, you should prepare to evacuate if you are in a flood-prone zone. Do not wait for water to enter your home before acting. Roads may become impassable, and visibility can drop significantly. Avoid driving through flooded streets, as even 30 centimetres of fast-moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
Red Rainfall Advisory
A Red advisory is the most serious level, issued when rainfall exceeds 30 millimetres per hour. This rate of rainfall can cause flash floods with little warning, particularly in areas near rivers, creeks, and mountain slopes. If a Red advisory is issued for your area and you are in a flood-prone location, evacuate immediately — do not wait for official orders. Flash floods can rise from ankle-deep to waist-deep in minutes. Never attempt to cross a flooded river or stream on foot or by vehicle during a Red advisory.
How Rainfall Advisories Relate to Typhoon Signals
Rainfall advisories and typhoon wind signals are separate systems that can be issued simultaneously. A typhoon with Signal No. 1 can still produce Red-level rainfall if it is a slow-moving or rain-heavy system. Conversely, a Signal No. 3 typhoon may produce less rainfall than a slow-moving tropical depression. Always monitor both the wind signal and the rainfall advisory during any tropical weather event.
Where to Get Rainfall Advisories
PAGASA issues rainfall advisories through its official website at pagasa.dost.gov.ph, through the PAGASA Facebook page, and through local government unit (LGU) emergency broadcast systems. WeatherAlertPH aggregates active PAGASA advisories on the Current Alerts page, updated every 30 minutes. During active weather events, check for updates at least every hour.