While Hong Kong might be a sunny paradise on many days, the city’s torrential rain, heat and most importantly, the roaring typhoons have become a part of its identity. Suspension of classes, flight cancellations, warning signals on buildings, houses and malls and more – you’ll know the city’s about to witness a storm. For locals, braving the typhoon is nothing out of the ordinary. However, if you’re new to the city and find yourself stuck in a typhoon situation, it’s pertinent to be well acquainted with the do’s and don’ts when the storm blows through. We’ve curated the ultimate Hong Kong typhoon survival guide, that’ll prepare you with the safety tips and more to brave the city’s weather.
Hong Kong typhoon survival guide: Important things to know
- The typhoon season starts in May and lasts till early November. However, the peak period occurs from July to September with a 50% or more chance of a typhoon hitting the city.
- You’ll get a few days’ warning ahead of the storm hitting the city, giving you ample time to prepare. Hong Kong has an effective storm warning system, well equipped to handle typhoons and bad weather situations, so there’s not much to worry about. Buildings, especially facilities where tourists usually seek shelter are built to withstand typhoons.
- Pay close attention to typhoon warning signals to understand how strong the incoming winds would be. Make sure to download the Hong Kong Observatory app to get all weather-related notifications straight to your phone. This will be your trusted companion for tracking updates.
- The warnings start at T1, then T3 and finally go up to T8, T9 and T10. The other numbers disappeared in the 1970s because of too much confusion.
- Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) assigns the name to tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea. It eases communication and tracking.
Here’s your go-to Hong Kong typhoon survival guide
Understanding the warning signals and things to note
T1 warning signal
Don’t worry if you see a T1 warning. It signals a storm which ‘might’ turn into a typhoon. You won’t even notice any weather changes as it may even be sunny with clear skies. The T1 alert means there’s a typhoon within 800km of Hong Kong that may hit the city in a day or two or maybe not at all. In short, keep your cool.
Typhoon safety tips and things to note during a T1 warning
- Keep close tabs on HKO, news updates or other government advisories. Be aware if the signal is elevated to a higher level.
- Avoid swimming as the waves could be higher.
- Try to postpone any trips to distant islands until the warning goes away.
T3 warning signal
T3 is when you need to start paying attention. You can expect heavy rain with strong winds within 12 hours of the signal being issued. The storm is getting closer to Hong Kong and winds of 41 to 62 kilometres per hour might start storming the city. T3 is fairly common in Hong Kong, occurring about a dozen times a year.
Typhoon safety tips and things to note during a T3 warning
- While public transport will operate as normal, you might face cancellations if you reside on outlying islands.
- Kindergartens, pools as well as outdoor water activities will be shut.
- Make sure to clear all loose items (furniture, cushions, washed clothes etc.) from your balconies/ rooftops.
- Stay updated via news and government advisories.
- Anyone planning to take a ferry or flight to Macau should check their schedule twice before heading out.
T8 warning signal
Okay, T8 is when things get serious. While it’s rare for Hongkongers to witness a T8 warning, it’s always good to prepare for the ruin it can cause. The signal indicates that strong winds are fast approaching the city near sea level at a sustained speed of 63 to 117 kilometres per hour, while the gusts reach up to 180 kilometres per hour.
It’s a sigh of relief for folks heading to schools, offices, shops and more as everything gets shut. Further, public transport, taxi stops and flights are cancelled. Don’t worry, you’ll be intimated a few hours before these facilities shut, giving you ample time to arrange for transportation and head home or pick up your essential supplies.
Typhoon safety tips and things to note during a T8 warning
- Stay indoors and make sure to bolt your doors and windows tightly.
- Avoid seashores at all times.
- You’ll get about a two-hour window after the T8 warning is announced, so make sure to manage your ride back home ASAP.
- Rural areas might be affected by landslides and floods.
T9 and 10 warning signs
The most severe typhoon warnings, T9 and T10 signs indicate the stakes are high. T10 has been hoisted 16 times since 1946. Typhoon Hato and Mangkhut, two of the deadliest Hong Kong typhoons rocked the city in 2017 and 2018 respectively, causing massive damage that still resonates freshly with the locals.
T9 and T10 mean the typhoon has reached the epicentre in Hong Kong, causing strong wind speeds of 118 kilometres per hour or above and gusts exceeding 220 kilometres per hour. T8 will already be alerted before these stages, so you’ll likely be safe at home
Typhoon safety tips and things to note during a T9 and T10 warning
- Stock up on essential supplies and ensure your home is prepared (locked windows/ doors, devices should be charged).
- In remote areas, you may face power cuts. Once the storm passes, expect to witness fallen trees, and debris on the road leading to restricted access and transport disruptions.
- It’s a good idea to prepare an emergency kit or box having flashlights, a copy of important phone numbers as well as first aid essentials.
So, sail safely through Hong Kong’s stormy weather with our typhoon survival guide and safety tips.
(Hero image credit: Jo Schmaltz/ Wikimedia Commons)
(Feature image credit: Anthony Ivanoff/ Wikimedia Commons)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The typhoon season starts in May and lasts till early November. However, the peak period occurs from July to September with a 50% or more chance of a typhoon hitting the city.
Water, food, first-aid kit, flashlight and essential electronic devices, extra batteries should be a part of typhoon emergency kit.
You should secure your home, stay indoors, keep tabs on news and government directives, have an emergency kit and evacuate when needed to stay safe during a typhoon.
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Written by
Kriti Nayyar
Senior Digital Writer, Wellness, Culture, Astrology, Tech
Kriti is a stay-at-home dog mama, whose knack for telling interesting stories keeps her erstwhile monotonous life sane. A literature & journalism degree holder, you'll find her binging on Agatha Christie novels while critiquing the everyday state of affairs. On Kriti's seldom social outings, she's seen devouring coffee sangria with appetizing bread on the side.
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