Severe Weather Warning Newsletter

May 2011

Severe Weather Warning - Hong Kong

Typhoon Season in Hong Kong officially runs from May to November

Hong Kong residents function very well in inclement weather but there are a few instances when it can bring this metropolis to a halt.

You’ll normally see a combination of Typhoon Signals and Rainstorm warnings during severe weather and while some of the warnings may look alarming, it’s important to remember that typhoons above T8 are rare in Hong Kong.

Keep reading for more information on the various signals, what they mean to you and what to do when you see them.

*Typhoon and Rainstorm Signal information provided by the Hong Kong Observatory

Typhoon Signals  |  Rainstorm Signals  |  Resources

Typhoon Signals
 

Typhoon Signal No. 1

Interpretation This stand-by signal indicates that a typhoon is within 800 km of Hong Kong Action Wait and see; this could get upgraded to T3. You may want to reconsider plans that involve being out on open water.

Typhoon Signal No. 3

Interpretation T3 indicates that strong winds are in force and expected to persist Action Stay tuned to TV & radio announcements to see if this gets upgraded to T8. Stay away from open water and secure all loose objects around your home, especially plants and pots on rooftops or balconies.

Typhoon Signal No. 8

Interpretation The arrows on these 4 different T8 signals indicate the direction of the gale force winds present in Hong Kong Action Offices, schools and public transport are normally closed during T8 signals and above. Contact your HR department for your severe weather guidelines. In addition to the actions taken during T3, you should make sure all windows are locked and valuable items are moved away from windows.

Typhoon Signal No. 9

Interpretation Gale or storm force winds increased in strength Action Stay indoors and away from exposed windows. Close interior doors and be sure you (and your children) are in a secure part of your home. If you are away from home, find a safe place and remain there until conditions are safe for you to return home.

Typhoon Signal No. 10

Interpretation Hurricane force wind is expected or blowing; gusts may exceed 220 km/h Action Take the same precautions as T9 but remember not to let your guard down as the eye of the storm passes Hong Kong. Once the eye has passed, the winds will resume with a vengeance.

Rainstorm Signals
 

Amber Rainstorm Signal

Interpretation Heavy rain is falling or expected to fall—exceeding 30ml per hour Action Make sure all windows are securely closed and tune in to TV & radio announcements regarding possible school closures.

Red Rainstorm Signal

Interpretation Heavy rain is falling or expected to fall—exceeding 50ml per hour Action Same as Amber except, students should stay home or, if already at school, should remain there until conditions are safe for them to return home.

Black Rainstorm Signal

Interpretation Very heavy rain is falling or expected to fall—exceeding 70ml per hour Action Offices, schools and public transport are normally closed during black rain storms. Contact your HR department for your severe weather guidelines. Students should follow the same guidelines as for a Red rainstorm. Stay indoors or take shelter in a safe place. If you are already at work you should stay there until the storm has passed.

Resources
 

Stay informed about the current weather situation via the following sources:

Internet

The Hong Kong Observatory is the best resource for weather in Hong Kong
http://www.weather.gov.hk/contente.htm

Radio

For English radio services, tune into
Radio 3—AM 567, 1584; FM 97.9, 106.8, 107.8
Radio 4—FM 98.9 Radio 6—AM 675 (BBC World Service)

Television

Terrestrial TV—TVB Pearl, ATV World
Now Broadband—Channel 376 or various news channels

School Information

To see if your child’s school is to be affected by potential closures, go to
The Hong Kong Bureau of Education
Hong Kong Observatory Information for Schools

All of us at Asia Pacific Properties wish you a safe & wonderful summer!

Send us an email for more detailed information about Severe Weather Warnings in Hong Kong.