Decoding rainstorm and typhoon signals in Hong Kong
Living in a vibrant city like Hong Kong let's one experience seasons that varies according to the time of the year. One not only experiences the chilly winters and scorching humid summer in this city, the experiences range with extreme weather conditions throughout the year, including black rainstorms and typhoons. These weather events can have significant impacts on the city's infrastructure, transportation, and daily life.
As we are drawing in closer to the middle of May (when the typhoon season peaks), our very own LocalHood volunteer Saravanan, part of the website content team, dwells a bit into what you need to look out for and how one can prepare themselves during such occasions.
In Pic: Amber Rainstorm in HK, SCMP
Rainstorms are common in Hong Kong and it ranges from Amber, Red and the most severe ones are categorised as Black rainstorms. Black rainstorms are intense rainstorms that are characterised by heavy rainfall and low visibility. When a black rainstorm warning is issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, it means that the rainfall rate has reached or is expected to reach 70 millimetres per hour or more. During a black rainstorm, residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid going outside unless it is absolutely necessary. The warning also affects transportation, with buses and trains often delayed or cancelled. Don’t be surprised to also see airliners cancelling flights and the airport left in a chaotic atmosphere.
Typhoons are another common weather occurrence in Hong Kong. These powerful tropical cyclones can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. The Hong Kong Observatory issues typhoon signals to alert residents of the potential danger. There are a total of ten signals, with Signal No. 10 being the most severe. When a Signal No. 10 is raised, all schools, businesses, and government offices are closed, and residents are advised to stay indoors. Typhoons can cause widespread power outages, flooding, and damage to buildings and infrastructure. When you live in Hong Kong long enough, you will notice the entrances to buildings and windows having a huge (X) sign posted on them, this is to ensure if there be any cracks or if the the window breaks, it doesn’t shatter all around but instead crumbles and falls in a pile.
In Pic: Typhoon Mangkut, SCMP
The Hong Kong government takes these weather events seriously and has put in place measures to prepare for and respond to them. For example, the government has a system in place to clear drainage channels and ensure that public transportation remains operational during black rainstorms. The government also has a contingency plan for typhoons, which includes evacuating residents from areas that are at risk of flooding or landslides.
Despite the potential dangers of black rainstorms and typhoons, Hong Kong residents have learned to adapt to these extreme weather conditions. Many businesses and schools have contingency plans in place, and residents are encouraged to have their own emergency kits containing food, water, and other supplies. If you are stuck indoors during such an event, just wait for further instructions from the people in charge in the building or even from the office administration team.
In conclusion, black rainstorms and typhoons are a regular part of life in Hong Kong, and residents and the government alike must remain vigilant and prepared to ensure the safety and well-being of all. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, residents can help mitigate the impacts of these extreme weather events.
Bellow you will find some useful information ranging from apps, websites and some relevant information regarding the rainstorm and typhoon warnings.
GUIDE TO THE RAINSTORM SIGNALS
AMBER RAINSTORM SIGNAL
Heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 30 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue.
RED RAINSTORM SIGNAL
Heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 50 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue.
BLACK RAINSTORM SIGNAL
Very heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 70 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue.
GUIDE TO THE TYPHOON SIGNALS
A tropical cyclone is centred within about 800 kilometres (km) of Hong Kong and may affect the territory.
Strong wind is blowing or expected to blow generally in Hong Kong near sea level, with a sustained speed of 41-62 kilometers per hour (km/h), and gusts which may exceed 110 km/h, and the wind condition is expected to persist.
Gale or storm force wind is blowing or expected to blow generally in Hong Kong near sea level, with a sustained wind speed of 63-117 km/h from the quarter indicated and gusts which may exceed 180 km/h, and the wind condition is expected to persist.
Gale or storm force wind is increasing or expected to increase significantly in strength.
Hurricane force wind is blowing or expected to blow with sustained speed reaching 118 km/h or above and gusts that may exceed 220 km/h.