What to Do When There Is a Typhoon | Hong Kong Tropical Cyclone Signal and Emergency Safety Guide

If a typhoon is approaching Hong Kong, check the latest Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) tropical cyclone warning and move into a suitable safe place before dangerous winds arrive. At Signal No. 8 or above, stay indoors where it is safe, keep away from exposed windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary travel. If authorities direct people in your neighbourhood to move away from storm surge, flooding or landslip exposure, follow that specific instruction while the route is safe. For a life-threatening emergency in Hong Kong, call 999.

A tropical cyclone is not only a wind event. Storm surge can inundate low coastal areas, heavy rain can flood underpasses and roads, and saturated slopes can fail. A person in a high-rise facing dangerous wind and glass has a different problem from someone on a ground floor exposed to rising seawater. The best action depends on the HKO signal, the additional hazard warning and the actual building or location. Do not assume that a temporarily calm sky means the danger has ended.

This guide covers residents, parents, students, employees and visitors on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon, the New Territories and on outlying islands. It explains what to do as warning signals change, how to prepare and use temporary shelters, what to do about transport disruption, and how to recover after the storm. Use the Hong Kong Observatory’s official tropical cyclone precautions, the current warning service and Home Affairs Department emergency services. This is an action guide, not a live typhoon advisory.

Quick action checklist: what to do in Hong Kong

Check the current HKO warning signal, its issue time and the specific risk to your district or coastline.
Signal No. 1: begin preparations, review outdoor plans and monitor official information, especially if travelling by sea.
Signal No. 3: secure loose objects early, clear drains if safe, stay away from exposed shoreline areas and plan to return to a suitable shelter.
Pre-No. 8 announcement: use the notice period to finish necessary arrangements and stop nonessential journeys before gales begin.
Signal No. 8: complete precautions, close doors and windows, shelter away from exposed glazing and avoid going into the street.
Signals No. 9 or 10: remain inside a suitable protected space, away from windows and exterior doors. Do not go outside during a lull.
If storm surge or flash flooding threatens your building: follow the local evacuation or shelter instructions; never walk or drive through floodwater.
For landslip warnings: avoid steep slopes, retaining walls and fresh debris; do not cross a blocked hillside road.
If you cannot safely remain at home: check which Home Affairs temporary shelters are actually open and follow official directions.
For immediate danger call 999. For weather information, the HKO telephone service is 1878 200, not an emergency rescue dispatcher.
After the signal is lowered, still check transport, road closures, fallen wires and landslip risks before going out.

The HKO’s signal-by-signal instructions emphasise that preparations should be finished before local winds become severe and that high wind may persist even when a cyclone begins to move away.

First understand the typhoon signal system

Hong Kong uses numbered tropical cyclone warning signals to convey changes in wind risk. The commonly used levels are Standby Signal No. 1, Strong Wind Signal No. 3, Gale or Storm Signal No. 8, Increasing Gale or Storm Signal No. 9 and Hurricane Signal No. 10. Signal No. 8 has four directional versions.

These signals are not a household evacuation order for every address, nor do they measure exactly how much rain or seawater will enter a particular building. They describe the expected or prevailing wind hazard for Hong Kong. Additional HKO warnings can address rainstorms, flooding and landslips.

A household should understand the sequence well enough to decide when to stop outdoor activity, secure loose objects and find safer shelter. The numerical signal is useful only when paired with the precautions and current HKO bulletin.

Read the official HKO warning-symbol legend for the symbols that may appear on television, apps, websites and digital signs.

Signal No. 1: preparation, not permission to ignore the sea

The Standby Signal No. 1 is issued when a tropical cyclone within roughly 800 kilometres of Hong Kong poses a potential threat. At this stage, strong winds can already be experienced over offshore waters and significant swells may affect exposed coastlines.

If you are planning a hike, beach trip, ferry journey, boating activity or flight connection, check the latest HKO forecast and transport information. A Signal No. 1 is a reason to consider how rapidly conditions might worsen, not a promise that the rest of the day will be suitable for outdoor recreation.

At home, verify that you can close windows, contact dependent relatives and obtain necessary medication while ordinary transport is available. Businesses should review exposed signs, outdoor displays and staff departure plans.

Do not wait until No. 8 to begin all your preparation. The HKO warns that dangerous conditions can develop quickly as a cyclone approaches.

Signal No. 3: secure property before wind becomes dangerous

At Strong Wind Signal No. 3, HKO advises fastening or moving indoors items that can be blown away, securing temporary and overhanging facilities and clearing drains where this can be done safely. People in low-lying areas should take precautions against flooding.

Avoid swimming, water sports and visits to exposed coastlines. Small craft should seek safe shelter without delay under maritime guidance. Winds on high ground and offshore waters may be significantly stronger than those on sheltered streets.

A family should decide whether an older relative needs to relocate to more suitable accommodation before higher signals. A parent should check school and childcare announcements from the responsible institution rather than treating the number as a complete closure schedule.

Do not climb onto a roof or lean from a high balcony to fasten objects once winds are already unsafe. Property protection helps only when it is performed without creating a new injury risk.

The Pre-No. 8 Special Announcement

The HKO’s Pre-No. 8 Special Announcement generally provides advance notice that Signal No. 8 is expected within about two hours. The notice is intended to give the public and organisations time to complete essential arrangements before stronger winds arrive.

Use that time to return to a safe place if travel remains appropriate, check on people who need help, secure objects already accessible and verify current transport service. Do not assume you have a guaranteed two-hour journey window; conditions can deteriorate before the official signal changes.

An employee should not be told to undertake a long exposed trip simply because the formal No. 8 signal has not yet been issued. Workplace arrangements and weather conditions need sensible judgement. Students and caregivers should use official school and transport instructions.

The HKO warning-system history explains the purpose of the pre-No. 8 communication. The advance notice is an action window, not a countdown for sightseeing or last-minute shopping.

Signal No. 8: stay indoors in a protected location

The Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 indicates gale or storm-force winds, with the four directional variants identifying the expected wind direction. By the time the signal is in force, HKO advises that major precautions should already be complete.

Close and secure windows and doors. Keep away from large glass panes on the exposed side of the home, skylights and exterior doors. Choose a suitable interior area where occupants can take shelter if an exterior window breaks. Do not go outside to film the storm or inspect the car.

Be aware that storm surge may flood low-lying areas, including by backflow of seawater. A substantial building above the surge zone may provide suitable wind shelter, while a ground-floor residence near the waterfront may require an entirely different official instruction.

Stay indoors where safe, but obey an evacuation directive if local authorities identify your address as exposed to another life-threatening hazard.

The four directions of Signal No. 8

You may see No. 8 Northeast, Southeast, Southwest or Northwest warning symbols. They indicate the direction from which gale or storm-force wind is expected. The wind can affect different façades and neighbourhoods in very different ways.

The direction matters in high-rise estates, waterfront communities, elevated roads and on outlying islands. A window that was sheltered early in the storm can become exposed when the wind changes. Do not assume the side of an apartment that has been quiet for several hours will remain the safer side.

HKO cautions that places previously protected by surrounding structures may become exposed as the cyclone moves. Read the latest bulletin and keep clear of all vulnerable glass, rather than standing near a window merely because it is not rattling.

The direction symbol is not a navigation instruction telling residents to travel northeast or southwest. It describes the wind, not the safe evacuation route.

Signal No. 9: the danger is increasing

An Increasing Gale or Storm Signal No. 9 indicates that gales or storm winds are increasing significantly. HKO advises residents to stay indoors, remain where they are reasonably protected and avoid touching loose electrical cables.

Keep away from windows and exterior doors. Flying debris may break glass under wind pressure. Do not try to repair a broken window until it can be done without placing anyone in danger. If one room becomes exposed, move to a more protected suitable part of the building when safe.

People caught outdoors need to seek a substantial sheltered location as safely as possible. An exposed bus stop, pedestrian bridge or waterfront promenade is not a reliable refuge. If the route is dangerous, seek official emergency assistance rather than attempting a long uncontrolled journey.

At No. 9, going out for photographs, a delivery or an ordinary appointment is not an acceptable reason to expose people to wind and debris.

Signal No. 10: hurricane-force wind and the eye

Hurricane Signal No. 10 indicates hurricane-force wind. The same high-level sheltering precautions apply, with heightened attention to windows, doors, falling objects and the possible failure of exposed structures.

If the cyclone’s eye passes across Hong Kong, some areas may experience an unexpected lull lasting minutes or longer. The wind can return very strongly from a different direction. Do not leave a protected building because the trees have stopped moving or the sky has brightened.

Do not attempt rooftop inspection, window repairs or vehicle retrieval during a lull. Remain sheltered until official advice and actual conditions indicate that the immediate wind danger has eased.

The HKO’s No. 10 precaution explains this temporary calm and the risk of a sudden resumption of violent winds.

Storm surge: the hazard a high floor may hide

Storm surge is an abnormal rise in sea level associated with a storm. Strong wind can drive water toward the coast, and waves can add to flooding. Low waterfront areas, estuaries and some drainage systems may become exposed even before residents see rainwater entering their own building.

A resident on the twentieth floor may be above the immediate water, but access, electricity, lifts and emergency services at ground level could be affected. A ground-floor shop near the sea may experience dangerous inundation while a neighbouring higher street remains passable.

Do not visit a seawall, beach or harbour to see how high the waves are. If local authorities direct a vulnerable area to evacuate, move before water makes the route unsafe. If already trapped by fast-rising water, seek a higher safe position and emergency guidance.

The wind signal does not replace specific storm-surge and flood warnings. Check the actual hazard information in the HKO bulletin.

Flooded streets and underpasses

Heavy rain from a tropical cyclone can flood low streets, tunnels and underpasses. A vehicle may enter water that conceals a deeper section, a damaged road or an open drainage channel.

Never drive or walk through floodwater to finish a journey. Turn around and find a verified alternative or remain in a safe location until conditions improve. A bus, SUV or taxi crossing earlier does not prove the road will remain passable.

Avoid underground car parks and basements when water is entering. Floodwater can create electrical danger and make doors or gates difficult to operate. Do not descend to move a vehicle or protect stock after the basement begins to flood.

A building can remain structurally sound while its ground-level access becomes unusable. Plan movement before that happens.

Landslip warnings during and after typhoons

Heavy or prolonged rain can saturate slopes and destabilise retaining walls. The HKO may issue a separate Landslip Warning when conditions raise concern. This warning is relevant to hillside roads, paths, homes below steep cuts and villages in sloping terrain.

Warning signs can include fresh cracks, falling stones, leaning walls, moving ground or unusual sounds. Not all landslips provide visible warning. Avoid standing beneath vulnerable slopes to inspect them, especially during heavy rain.

If authorities direct evacuation of a threatened building or path, use the designated safe route while it is available. Do not climb over a fresh landslide to reach another road.

Rain and groundwater can continue affecting slopes after the strongest wind ends. A typhoon signal being lowered does not make a damaged hillside road safe.

Rainstorm warnings are separate from typhoon signals

Hong Kong uses Amber, Red and Black Rainstorm Warning Signals, which concern heavy rainfall. The Black Rainstorm Warning indicates very heavy rain with significant potential for flooding and disruption, but the exact instructions depend on where you are and the current situation.

A tropical cyclone and a rainstorm warning may be in force at the same time. The relevant hazard can shift from wind to rainfall, floodwater or landslips as the system moves.

Do not assume that Signal No. 3 means every road is safe if a Black Rainstorm Warning also applies. Likewise, a lower wind signal does not prove that a hillside path or basement has recovered.

Read both sets of official warnings using the HKO warning symbols and the specific action instructions.

Temporary shelters: how to find an actually open one

The Home Affairs Department (HAD) coordinates temporary accommodation during certain emergencies. Under Signal No. 8 or above, Landslip Warnings, Red or Black Rainstorm Warnings and other serious situations, district officers may open designated temporary shelters as needed.

The official HAD emergency services page explains that the list of potential shelters is not a guarantee that each building is currently open. Check actual opening announcements or the emergency coordination information before setting out.

If your home is unsafe and you need accommodation, contact the relevant district office or emergency service for up-to-date shelter arrangements. A location that served as a shelter last year may not be operating during the current event.

Do not walk through a dangerous storm or flood to reach a shelter based only on an old address list. Seek current guidance about the safest available route and destination.

A warning does not mean every person should evacuate

Many Hong Kong residents may be safest remaining in a suitable substantial building during severe wind. Mass travel after No. 8 is already in force can create needless exposure to falling objects and transport disruption.

However, households in flood-prone low areas, unstable slope locations or buildings that have become unsafe may receive different directions. The relevant local authority may order evacuation or organise support.

The correct decision is not “everyone stays” or “everyone leaves”. It is remain sheltered when the building and site are suitable, but follow specific protective orders when they apply.

A plan should account for timing. Leaving while roads are still safe is different from trying to cross flooding or debris when the dangerous conditions are already present.

High-rise apartments: managing exposed glass and lifts

Hong Kong has many tall residential buildings with large windows, balconies and exterior corridors. The safest room for high wind is generally a suitable interior area away from exposed glazing and heavy items that could fall.

Secure doors and windows before gales arrive. Do not stand against a pane to watch the storm. If glass breaks, move to another protected area and keep children and pets away. Attempt repairs only when weather and structural conditions permit.

Power cuts and flooding may make lifts unreliable. Follow building management instructions and avoid taking unnecessary lift trips during an emergency. If there is a fire or the building becomes unsafe, use the relevant emergency procedure rather than assuming that ordinary typhoon sheltering remains adequate.

Wind protection and safe building evacuation are separate decisions, and either may become dominant as conditions change.

Temporary structures, signboards and construction sites

Outdoor signs, scaffolding, temporary awnings, roof sheets and construction materials can become dangerous projectiles in high wind. The HKO advises securing exposed items before strong winds begin.

Workers should not be told to climb scaffolding or roofs once the hazard is already severe. Employers should have a defined stop-work process, safe assembly area and plan for completing securing tasks while conditions permit.

A building manager should know who is responsible for exposed external fixtures, but no tenant or worker should risk life to save a sign, plant or awning. Keep emergency routes clear and report dangerous loose equipment to appropriate authorities.

After the storm, treat damaged scaffolds and hanging signs as hazardous until inspected. The end of wind does not guarantee that a half-detached structure is stable.

Offices, shops and employee transport

Workplaces need an advance plan for the Pre-No. 8 announcement, the actual No. 8 signal and the impact on different shifts. Employees may rely on ferries, buses, MTR or long journeys through exposed areas.

An effective plan identifies who makes the operational decision, how staff receive instructions and whether remaining in a suitable workplace would be safer than attempting a late commute. Company rules and statutory requirements must be followed, but they do not remove the need to assess real weather risk.

Do not require delivery riders, cleaners, construction crews or retail employees to travel through dangerous winds or flooded roads merely to keep normal opening hours. Communicate closures and changes through verified channels.

A business continuity plan is successful when it protects people and preserves the ability to restart safely, not when every scheduled shift occurs regardless of hazard.

Schools, nurseries and child-care arrangements

Hong Kong’s Education Bureau (EDB) issues school-specific announcements when tropical cyclone or rainstorm signals affect classes. Kindergarten, primary and secondary arrangements can differ, as can childcare and examination instructions.

Do not assume that every institution closes under the same warning signal. Monitor the actual EDB and school announcement, especially when a Signal No. 3 or a Pre-No. 8 announcement affects transport.

Parents should know where children are kept safely if transport stops. An urgent journey to collect a child may be more dangerous than following the school’s organised supervision or pickup plan.

Teach children one short rule: “When strong wind warnings begin, stay with the teacher or adult, keep away from windows and follow the safe transport plan.”

Outdoor recreation and hiking

Hong Kong’s country parks, ridges, mountain paths and coastal viewpoints can experience much stronger winds than sheltered urban streets. If a cyclone warning is in force or expected to intensify, cancel exposed hikes and water sports.

A hiker should not rely on the city-centre wind as a measure of conditions on a ridge. Strong gusts can cause falls, while rain may make steps slippery and increase landslip risk. Dense vegetation can also shed branches.

If already outside and conditions deteriorate, seek an appropriate substantial shelter without crossing exposed peaks or rushing into an unstable valley. Share your location with a trusted contact and call 999 for immediate danger.

The safest summit photograph is often the one you never attempt during a typhoon warning.

Ferries, vessels and harbour safety

Marine conditions can become dangerous before the strongest winds reach populated districts. HKO warns that strong winds can occur offshore even at Signal No. 1, with significant swell possible on exposed coastlines.

Check ferry operators and the Marine Department for actual service decisions. A ferry cancellation may reflect the danger at sea even if it is still relatively calm on the pier. Do not hire a small private boat to bypass a suspension.

Fishers and boat owners should follow official maritime procedures and prepare vessels early. Do not go onto an exposed mooring to retrieve equipment after severe wind arrives.

For waterfront visitors, stay away from piers, sea walls and wave-watching locations. A powerful wave can overtop a barrier and sweep people away even when they believe they are standing on public land.

Travellers and Hong Kong International Airport

An airport may adjust flight operations during severe tropical cyclone conditions. The public typhoon signal does not by itself establish the exact status of a particular flight, airline, railway or road.

Check the operator’s current announcement. Do not attempt to reach the airport through unsafe roads or transport suspensions simply because a booking app has not updated. Seek safe accommodation and communicate with the airline after you are secure.

A visitor should know the hotel emergency plan and whether the building is in a low-lying flood zone. Hotel staff may provide current local transport instructions, but their advice should be consistent with official warnings.

Rebooking a flight is a logistical task; surviving dangerous winds and floodwater is the immediate safety task.

Drivers: low visibility, fallen objects and flooded roads

Typhoon rain and wind can reduce visibility, blow objects into the roadway and make driving unpredictable. A raised highway or bridge may be more exposed than a sheltered residential street.

If conditions become dangerous, stop at an appropriate safe location off active traffic and follow road authority instructions. Do not stop beneath a failing tree or near an exposed overhead structure. Never cross flooded underpasses or closed bridges.

A navigation app may not know that a tunnel, lane or bridge has just been closed. Current traffic-management information and emergency directions take precedence.

Avoid beginning unnecessary journeys once significant typhoon conditions arrive; the best driving decision is often to remain sheltered.

Children, older residents and disability access

A household with infants, an older adult or someone who cannot use stairs may need extra time and assistance if sheltering arrangements change. Prepare medication, medical information, charging supplies and necessary mobility equipment before the wind becomes hazardous.

If the normal apartment is exposed to storm surge, broken glazing or another danger, ask the district office or emergency services about an appropriate safe alternative. Do not assume a temporary shelter has every accessibility or medical facility without confirming.

For a person with hearing impairment, use accessible visual or text alerts; someone who cannot read warnings independently may need a trusted contact. A caregiver should know whether lifts or safe transport will be available.

Safety instructions must be achievable for the actual household, not only for a healthy adult who can walk quickly.

Pets and animals during a typhoon

Bring pets indoors before severe conditions whenever possible. Keep suitable food, clean water, medication and a carrier or lead ready. Do not leave animals on an exposed balcony or rooftop.

If evacuation is required, find out the current animal arrangements at the designated destination before travel when time permits. Do not return to a dangerous building or waterfront for an animal after officials have closed access; report its location to appropriate responders.

Secure animal enclosures safely before the storm while wind is still manageable. During severe gusts, no property or pet-supply task should require a person to climb onto an exposed roof.

A prepared animal plan reduces distress without compromising human life safety.

An emergency kit for Hong Kong homes

Prescription medicine, relevant health information, glasses and essential medical devices.
Identification and important contact details protected from water.
Drinking water, ready-to-eat food and any infant supplies needed during a temporary disruption.
A charged phone, power bank, flashlight and spare batteries.
Sturdy closed shoes, dry clothing and basic hygiene products.
Relevant disability aids, batteries and instructions for any essential equipment.
Some cash, keys and a written family contact or meeting point.
Practical pet supplies or carrier where appropriate.
A means of receiving official broadcasts if ordinary internet access fails.
Details of any currently confirmed temporary shelter or alternative accommodation.

Keep the kit light and accessible. During a severe wind event it is not a reason to walk out of a suitable building unless your local protective instruction requires relocation.

What to do if glass breaks during No. 8, 9 or 10

If a window or glass door shatters during strong wind, keep people away from the exposed area and move to a more protected room if safe. Do not stand against the opening to hold cardboard or plastic against the wind.

Broken glass may be projected across a room by pressure and gusts. Wear shoes when moving through areas with fragments, and keep children away. Seek emergency help if anyone is seriously injured.

Repair work should wait until conditions permit safe access. A window repair is not worth exposure to windborne debris or a fall from a high floor.

The immediate goal is to protect occupants, not restore the apartment’s normal appearance while the storm is still active.

Power outage, elevators and medical continuity

Strong winds or flooding may interrupt electricity. Keep flashlights available and use battery lighting instead of unnecessary flames. Some lifts and building pumps may stop, affecting movement and water supplies.

Households using electrically powered medical equipment should have a backup and relocation plan agreed with healthcare providers. Do not assume every building has adequate generator capacity for private medical devices.

If electricity is interrupted, do not operate damaged appliances or exposed wiring. Seek qualified assistance when water has affected an electrical panel or room. Keep emergency calls for genuine urgent danger.

An outage can change which household members are safe remaining in the building. Identify needs before the weather removes the ability to travel.

Drinking water, food and hygiene after flooding

Storm surge or urban flooding can contaminate some water supplies and food. Follow official water-supplier or public-health notices rather than judging water quality only by its appearance.

Boiling can be appropriate for certain microbial contamination when authorities recommend it, but does not reliably remove many chemical contaminants. Use an alternative verified source when chemical contamination is suspected.

Discard food that has contacted floodwater according to health guidance. Check refrigerated foods after prolonged outages, and keep children away from sewage-contaminated debris.

For serious diarrhoea, dehydration or other concerning illness, seek medical evaluation promptly. Recovery requires clean water and safe food as well as restored transport.

Fallen electricity lines and damaged slopes after the storm

When high wind weakens, do not assume streets are immediately safe. Fallen wires, unstable branches, loose signs, damaged scaffolding and landslip debris can remain dangerous for hours or days.

Never touch a cable lying on the ground or a fence or puddle that could be energised by it. Avoid areas where stones or mud have fallen from retaining walls. A road that appears partly clear may have damaged support beneath the surface.

Report hazards to appropriate emergency or utility services and obey closures. Do not cross a barricade because somebody else appears to be walking through.

The lowering of a typhoon signal is not a structural inspection or a clearance for every road.

When is it safe to leave shelter?

Check the latest HKO warning, current government and transport announcements, and the actual conditions around your building. Winds may remain strong after a tropical cyclone moves away, and heavy rain or flooding can continue.

If the Home Affairs Department or local authority provided temporary shelter, follow staff instructions about leaving and transport. Do not assume that an individual shelter’s opening hours are the same for every storm.

If your home or access route has damaged glass, utilities or structural elements, seek assessment before returning. A safe street elsewhere in Hong Kong does not certify the condition of your building.

Return to normal activity in stages, according to risk, rather than treating the first lower signal as an immediate all-clear.

Scenario 1: a family receives the Pre-No. 8 announcement

Imagine a family in Tsuen Wan hears the HKO announcement that Signal No. 8 is expected. One parent wants to finish shopping across town, while another needs to collect a child from an after-school activity.

They check the institution’s official instructions and organise the necessary safe journey while transport remains usable, then stay in a suitable building. They do not postpone basic arrangements until winds are already dangerously strong.

This is a fictional teaching scenario, not an indication of today’s typhoon signal. The lesson is use advance notice to reduce exposure, not to schedule one more unnecessary trip.

Scenario 2: exposed windows during No. 9

A household in a high-rise flat hears loud impacts on the glass during Signal No. 9. One resident stands near the balcony to photograph the sea while others move to the interior hallway.

The resident leaves the exposed window and joins the protected group. When a pane cracks, nobody attempts to repair it from outside. The family contacts emergency services if a serious injury or building danger arises.

The lesson is interior shelter and glass avoidance during very strong wind.

Scenario 3: a low-lying coastal street faces storm surge

An authority warns residents of a low-lying waterfront area that dangerous seawater could flood the streets. The household still has a safe authorised route to designated shelter.

The family follows the local instruction early, carrying medication, identification and necessary supplies. They do not wait until water enters the ground-floor shop below the flat.

The lesson is that the water hazard can require a different action from the wind sheltering used elsewhere.

Scenario 4: tourists try to reach the airport during No. 8

Visitors see that a flight listing has not changed, but typhoon conditions are deteriorating and transport services are restricted. A private driver offers a shortcut through a road exposed to flooding.

The visitors decline the unsafe journey, remain in a suitable hotel and contact the airline after checking official transport updates. The travel disruption is managed later.

The lesson is a booking or app status cannot make an unsafe journey safe.

Scenario 5: the eye creates a deceptive lull

During Signal No. 10, the wind outside becomes quieter and the rain briefly eases. Some neighbours suggest going down to remove debris from the entrance.

The household remains in a protected indoor location and follows HKO updates. Strong wind later resumes from another direction.

The lesson is a temporary calm may be part of the cyclone itself.

Scenario 6: the wind signal drops while a landslip warning continues

After a typhoon begins moving away, a driver notices that the high wind warning has been reduced. The planned road runs beside an unstable rain-soaked slope and has been closed due to a landslip.

The driver obeys the closure and uses an authorised alternative later instead of crossing fresh mud. The weather improving does not establish slope or road safety.

The lesson is follow every relevant warning, not only the typhoon signal.

Common Hong Kong typhoon mistakes

“Signal No. 1 means nothing can happen.” Offshore wind and swell can already be dangerous.
“I should wait until No. 8 to secure every outdoor object.” Preparations should be completed before strong wind arrives.
“The Pre-No. 8 announcement guarantees two safe hours of travel.” Conditions can worsen sooner.
“No. 8 indicates the direction I should evacuate.” Its directional symbol refers to wind, not travel.
“A high-rise is always safe from all typhoon hazards.” Wind, glass and ground-level flooding still matter.
“The storm eye is an all-clear.” Destructive winds may return.
“A mask can protect me from flying debris.” Respiratory protection cannot prevent glass or impact injuries.
“Every listed temporary shelter is open.” Actual opening is determined during the event.
“A flight still scheduled means the airport road is safe.” Transport and road hazards must be checked separately.
“A lowered wind signal means flooded roads are passable.” Flood and landslip risks can remain.
“A balcony is a good place for video.” Wind and debris can cause serious falls and injuries.
“A large vehicle can cross a submerged underpass.” Hidden depth and current make that unsafe.
“The school closure rule is identical for all ages.” Follow current EDB and childcare instructions.
“I can repair a broken window from outside during No. 9.” Wait for safe conditions.
“No rain in my district means no storm surge.” Seawater flooding has a distinct mechanism.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do at Typhoon Signal No. 8 in Hong Kong?

Complete preparations, remain in a suitable building, secure windows and doors, keep clear of exposed glazing, and avoid unnecessary travel. Follow specific local flooding or evacuation instructions.

What do Signals No. 1, 3, 8, 9 and 10 mean?

They progress from standby and strong winds to gale or storm, significantly increasing gale or storm, and hurricane-force wind. The actual actions are given in HKO’s official precaution guide.

Does No. 8 mean everyone must evacuate?

No. Many people should remain safely indoors. Specific evacuation instructions may apply to locations exposed to storm surge, landslips or unsafe buildings.

Is the Pre-No. 8 announcement an exact two-hour window?

It is advance notice of an expected higher signal, not a guarantee of safe travel until the signal is formally issued. Act early.

Can I go outside when Signal No. 10 suddenly becomes calm?

No. The cyclone’s eye can produce a temporary lull before dangerous winds return from another direction.

What is the emergency telephone number in Hong Kong?

999 for urgent Police, Fire or Ambulance assistance. For routine HKO weather information, use official forecasts or 1878 200.

Are all government shelters open at No. 8?

No. Home Affairs Department shelters open as needed. Check actual opening announcements and safe access before travelling.

Can a typhoon cause flooding when winds are easing?

Yes. Rainfall flooding, seawater surge and landslip hazards can persist after the main wind begins to lessen.

When is it safe to return to normal travel?

After checking current HKO warnings, transport and road announcements, and the safety of your particular route and building. A lower wind signal is not automatically a universal all-clear.

Official Hong Kong typhoon references and further reading

Editorial review: 6 November 2026. This article provides general safety information, not the current HKO warning or an active shelter list. Follow official Hong Kong emergency services and local protective instructions.