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Hong
Kong is in the path of typhoons. Every year a few would bring some rain - sometimes
just rain, sometimes also the high winds and an extra holiday. Typhoon
is another name for hurricane. They are defined as tropical cyclones with sustained
wind speed of at least 118 km/hr (i.e. 73 mph). In 1962, typhoon Wanda had mean
winds of 133km/h (82.5 mph) and gusts of 259 km/h (160.5 mph) in the harbour,
and record-setting gusts of 284 km/h (176 mph) at Tate's Cairn. When a typhoon
is within 800 Km (~500 miles) of Hong Kong, the number 1 typhoon signal is hoisted,
just as a word of caution. Then if it gets closer, it is bumped up to number 3.
At this point everybody wants it to go higher because it means no school and getting
out of work! But of course those living in flood-prone areas and shakey housing
think otherwise. The next typhoon signal after number 3 is 8. Nowadays the
Observatory actually gives an advance warning, telling people two hours in advance
that the number 8 will be hoisted - in order to allow people to make preparations
to go home and to pick up kids from school. For some it also lets them call up
a few friends to make arrangements to celebrate the windfall holiday with a mahjong
game. When number 8 hits, stores start closing and the trains, ferries,
buses, etc., will begin to suspend service depending on the conditions - understandably,
ferries are always the first to go - or rather, to stop. If a typhoon gets
within 100 km (62 miles) or so of Hong Kong, it is considered a direct hit and
the ultimate number 10 is hoisted. It means "stay out of the streets"
unless you want to play "dodge neon signs". (All kinds of stuff not
securely tied down enough will get blown off, flying around, looking for a victim!)
But then there are those who love to see the wind and waves at the waterfront. The
typhoon season for Hong Kong is from around July to September. If you happen to
visit Hong Kong during a typhoon, just pray that it is not more than a 3! And
a number 10 will be quite a damper because most of the stores will be closed.
If you are staying in a harbor-view
hotel room during a number 10, stay away from the windows! (For
more info, check the Hong Kong Observatory's webpage.) | 
