Landing in a country like Hong Kong bang smack in the middle of typhoon season can be a little daunting, especially when a typhoon signal is raised. So, with cyclone season just around the corner, what better time to start preparing for Hong Kong's next big tropical storm? Here are iloho's top 10 to-do tips for getting through the next typhoon.
Tropical cyclones are prevalent in Hong Kong from May to November. Warnings start being issued whenever a tropical cyclone centred within 800 km of Hong Kong poses a threat to the territory. The warnings start at T1, which means that there is a storm looming that might pose a threat to Hong Kong, and go up to a T10, which signals serious hurricane-strength winds.
The most common signals we see are T1, T3 and T8. T3 means strong winds are a-blowing (or expected to blow), and T8 sees Hong Kong's work force rejoicing, as it signals home time. Famously, one of the bars on Lan Kwai Fong - Stormy Weather - gives customers free shots once the T8 signal has been hoisted.
For the more sensible (ahem) amongst us, here are the best ways to prepare for one of Hong Kong's typhoons:
Check the weather reports: Obvious, I know, but Hong Kong's weather is very fickle and things can turn from nice to nasty in a short space of time. Keep an eye open too in the lobbies of big buildings and office blocks, you'll see warnings in place (like the ones pictured above) if there's a storm coming in. The Hong Kong Observatory's website can be accessed here.
Batten down the hatches: Even if you're just passing through and have left a couple of things out on your hotel balcony, make sure you bring them in. Once a typhoon comes in there's absolutely no guaranteeing that they'll be there once it's over. Also, move any pricey objects you've either bought or brought with you from off the floor. If rain starts coming into your room you don't want things getting ruined.
Stock up on food: If it looks like there's a whopper of a typhoon coming make sure you're prepared and stocked up with enough food and water for 48 hours. Most of Hong Kong's supermarkets don't close right away, giving you enough time to grab the essentials.
Stay inside: To avoid being walloped over the head by flying objects like branches, make sure you stay inside for the duration of the typhoon. Don't venture out until there's been official word that it is safe to do so.
Don't sit by the windows: They might break, which wouldn't be pretty. Also, draw curtains and close shutters if you have them.
Fix tape to the windows in an older building: This will help to curtail damage should the windows blow in.
Make alternative travel plans: In a T8 most flights will be either delayed or cancelled, so it's a good idea to come up with a back up plan.
Stay away from coastal areas: Once a T3 has been hoisted, steer clear of Hong Kong's beaches and coastal areas as winds and waves can be very strong.
Move into a corridor or hallway if the storm becomes severe: You'll be less exposed to glass windows here, and therefore safer.
Make sure you have a torch / flashlight: It will be very handy in case there is a power outage. I think the Mini Maglite is great for travellers as it's so small and light.
Photo Credit: Typhoon Signal by Carol Green via Flickr (Creative Commons).
Typhoon Nuri is heading straight to Hong Kong and is set to hit us at 2pm tomorrow.
We thought it was apt to pick a stormy HK shot today and liked this one, Stormclouds, by Denn on Flickr.
This one, Lighting 03, by moonsheep is also fantastic.
