All question marks about the inverted T? Brace yourself for all you need to know about typhoons in Hong Kong.
Sunshine mixed with a little hurricane is an apt description that fits Hong Kong to a T. This tropical city surely blesses us with a plethora of pristine beaches, hikes, and islands for a sunny day out, but we have to brace ourselves for stormy summers that show up uninvited, too. Spot the massive cross on windows and empty supermarket shelves from May onwards? Don’t be intimidated, because we’re here to guide you through Hong Kong’s typhoon season. And while a typhoon day off from work may be a thing of the past thanks to technology, it’s still good to know what to do when there’s a typhoon in Hong Kong.
Your ultimate guide to typhoons in Hong Kong
Is there a typhoon in Hong Kong today?
One of the easiest ways of knowing whether there is a typhoon in Hong Kong today or not is to be aware of when the typhoon season is. Beginning in May, Hong Kong’s typhoon season can last all the way till November (but usually doesn’t – thankfully!) The most typhoon-prone months include July to September, though locals know how unpredictable this time frame can be. So, if you’re planning a trip to the 852 during the summer months, remember to check Hong Kong’s typhoon forecast when booking your plane tickets, hotel stays, and itinerary.
Fun fact: the Japan Meteorological Agency names the typhoons. The names are usually short, catchy, distinctive, and relevant to the cultural and geographic areas, so that they’re easy for people to remember.
How to stay informed about typhoons in Hong Kong
The best way to get Hong Kong typhoon updates is through the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). The HKO website offers live tracking and instant updates whenever a typhoon signal is hoisted (more on this later). It’s also a good idea to download the HKO app, too, so you can get notifications straight to your phone. And if you want information on how a typhoon today is affecting public transport and traffic, tune in to your local news channel.
Follow these Hong Kong typhoon signals
Notices of Hong Kong typhoon signals will be posted outside apartment buildings, commercial buildings, shopping malls, and MTR stations. So, you’ll know what’s going on wherever you are. Here’s what the different signals mean.
1. Standby Signal No. 1 (T1)
If a T1 is raised, you can still keep your cool, and chances are you didn’t even notice a storm is approaching, because it’ll most likely be sunny out with clear, blue skies. This means that a tropical cyclone is centred within about 800 kilometres of Hong Kong and may or may not affect the territory.
Just be on the lookout if the signal is elevated to a higher degree.
2. Strong Wind Signal No. 3 (T3)
Yep, it jumps from one to three. This is the part where folks get excited about a potential day off (though the odds are rarely in our favour. Thanks, Li’s Field). Your day will remain much the usual, though the sky may be a little cloudy and grey at this point. You can expect winds with a sustained speed of 41 to 62 kilometres per hour.
When there’s a T3 in Hong Kong:
- Kindergartens may be closed
- Water activities will be shut
- It is advisable to stay away from the shore
- Look for typhoon updates on the news
3. Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 (T8)
It’s quite rare for a typhoon to hit number eight. But having said that, it’s important not to undermine the havoc it can cause, especially on the outlying islands. With a sustained wind speed of 63 to 117 kilometres per hour, and gusts reaching up to 180 kilometres per hour, T8 can cause some serious damage.
When there’s a T8 in Hong Kong:
- Shut your windows firmly and tape them up
- Remove any laundry hanging outside and any outdoor furniture
- All public transport (including flights) will be suspended – this means no MTR or bus services, but employers are required to let you get home before a T8 hits
- All offices, schools, restaurants, and businesses will be closed
- Avoid seashores at all costs
- Potential landslides and floods in rural areas
- If your building sways, don’t panic! New buildings are built that way to withstand strong winds
- The signal will typically be hoisted for about a day, but do stock up on essentials beforehand. There will be prior warning before the signal goes up, so there’s still time for you to get back home to a safe space
4. Increasing Gale or Storm Signal No.9 and Hurricane Signal No. 10 (T9 and T10)
You know the stakes are high when the signal is elevated to the highest. This could mean the typhoon has reached its epicentre in Hong Kong. Coming eye-to-eye with the storm could result in wind speeds of 118 kilometres per hour or above, and gusts may exceed 220 kilometres per hour. T8 would’ve already been hoisted, so you should be safe and sound at home.
When there’s a T9 or T10 in Hong Kong:
- Stay indoors
- Make sure windows are tightly shut (use strings for loose locks)
- Stay updated on the news
- Expect fallen trees, shattered glass, and transport disruptions when the signal is lifted
Where to get help during Hong Kong typhoon
Just in case you need to get help quick during a typhoon in Hong Kong, here are a few numbers to call:
- Police or ambulance: 999
- Drainage Services: 2300 1110 (for reporting floods)
- Home Affairs Department: 2835 2500 (for accommodation emergencies)
- Round-the-clock Government hotline: 1823 (for fallen trees, building conditions, and landslides)
Typhoon in Hong Kong: Bottom line
In the case of typhoon warning signal eight and above, stay indoors and make sure your windows are shut properly. Also, stock up on ample supplies of basic food and household items beforehand (locals say that toilet paper is a must!). Hong Kong is well-experienced in handling typhoons, so there’s no need to panic too much – we got you.
[This article was originally published in May 2021 and updated in 2024 by Celia Lee.]
