{"id":130024,"date":"2025-05-30T06:00:57","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T22:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/?p=130024"},"modified":"2025-09-17T17:26:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T09:26:16","slug":"hong-kong-typhoon-rain-storm-signal-warnings-whats-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sassyhongkong.com\/hong-kong-typhoon-rain-storm-signal-warnings-whats-on\/","title":{"rendered":"Hong Kong Typhoons: Your Ultimate Guide To Signals, Rain Warnings & More"},"content":{"rendered":"

In Hong Kong typhoon season, you’ll need to know what T1, T3, T8 and other signals mean, what to do when you see Amber or Black Rainstorm Warnings and more…<\/h2>\n

If you grew up in the 852 \u2014 like many members of our team! \u2014 you’ll know a Hong Kong typhoon is just regular routine! But it can be nerve-wracking if you’re new to the city<\/a> or living alone for the first time<\/strong>. Here’s a handy guide to explain the\u00a0Hong Kong Observatory<\/a> (HKO)<\/em>‘s\u00a0warning signals, how you should prepare your home for a typhoon and where to get help and up-to-date information during a typhoon or rainstorm.<\/p>\n

Read More: <\/strong>Things To Do Indoors When It\u2019s Raining In Hong Kong<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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What Exactly Is A Typhoon?<\/h2>\n

To get really specific, a typhoon is a tropical cyclone<\/strong>\u00a0that develops between 180\u00b0 and 100\u00b0E in the Northern Hemisphere (North America, the northern part of South America, Europe, the northern two-thirds of Africa and most of Asia)<\/em>. A mature tropical cyclone in the northeast Pacific and northern Atlantic is called a hurricane <\/strong>(the main difference between a hurricane and a typhoon is the location where the storm occurs<\/a>)<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Typhoon forecast and warning centres are found in places like Japan, Hawaii, the Philippines and Hong Kong<\/strong> \u2014 about 18 countries have territories threatened by typhoons each year!<\/p>\n

In Hong Kong, typhoon season starts in April and lasts until November,<\/strong> although they’re most likely to hit between July and September. Expect strong winds and heavy rain<\/strong>, which can cause flash flooding, landslides and damage to property. There’s typically a few days’ warning that a storm is coming (so you’ll have time to prepare)<\/em>, and Hong Kong is very well-equipped to handle these storms.<\/p>\n

Read More:<\/strong> The Perfect Black Rain Day \u2014 Indoor Activity Inspiration<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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Hong Kong’s Typhoon Warning Signals<\/h2>\n

The HKO’s MyObservatory app (on Apple<\/a> or Android<\/a>) <\/em>offers all the information you’ll need to stay informed \u2014 and d<\/strong>uring a typhoon, it should be your go-to for tracking advice<\/strong>. Beyond its daily forecasts, the app will provide typhoon warnings<\/a>, starting at T1 and accelerating to \u00a0T3, T8, T9 and T10.<\/p>\n

Unlike hurricanes and cyclones, which are categorised by storm intensity, Hong Kong typhoon warning signals depend on the storm’s proximity and effect on the territory<\/strong>. Read on for a detailed breakdown of what each signal entails:<\/p>\n

T1 \u2013 Typhoon Warning Signal One<\/h3>\n

Don’t worry too much when you see a T1 alert \u2014 it just means there’s a typhoon within 800km of Hong Kong. It\u00a0might<\/em> come towards Hong Kong or might miss it completely.<\/p>\n

T3 \u2013 Typhoon Warning Signal Three<\/h3>\n

The storm is getting a little closer to Hong Kong and winds of 41 to 62km\/hour will start to affect the city. Your daily life may be affected as private businesses might shut,<\/strong>\u00a0and boating activities will typically be cancelled\u00a0(check the policy on those summer junk boat trips<\/a>!). <\/em>Take time to secure all loose objects, particularly on balconies and rooftops.<\/p>\n

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T8 \u2013 Typhoon Warning Signal Eight<\/h3>\n

This is when things start to get serious and the city begins to shut down. Offices, schools, shops, public pools<\/a> and all outdoor facilities close, while most public transport and taxis will stop<\/strong> and flights are suspended.<\/p>\n

There is normally a few hours’ warning (the Observatory should make a pre-No.8 special announcement<\/strong> when the T8 signal is expected within two hours!),<\/em> so you have time to make transport arrangements, pick up any last-minute supplies<\/a> and get to a safe location.<\/p>\n

Complete all safety precautions<\/a>!<\/strong> Weather-wise, you can expect gale-force winds between 63 and 117km\/hour (with gusts up to 180km\/hour!)\u00a0<\/em>and heavy rain.<\/p>\n

T9 and T10 \u2013 Typhoon Warning Signals Nine And Ten<\/h3>\n

These are the most severe typhoons in Hong Kong and are rare\u00a0(since 1946, the T10 signal has only been raised 17 times). <\/em>You can expect hurricane-force winds<\/strong> of 118+km\/hour with gusts of more than 220km\/hour as the storm passes directly over Hong Kong. If you live in a high-rise apartment, you may feel your building sway\u00a0(don’t worry, the buildings are designed for this)<\/em> and there is some risk of damage to windows.<\/p>\n

Stay indoors and away from exposed windows and doors to avoid flying debris.<\/strong> In more remote areas, you may lose power and have restricted road access after the storm has passed due to flooding and debris on the roads.<\/p>\n

Read More:<\/strong> <\/em>Your Guide To Relocation & Moving Companies In Hong Kong<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Rainstorm Warning Signals<\/h2>\n

The general rainy season in Hong Kong is normally between April and September, and it can be particularly heavy and persistent during May and June<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

HKO’s rainstorm warning system<\/a> is designed to let you know about heavy rain<\/strong> and is independent of other severe weather warnings<\/strong> like tropical cyclones and landslips\u00a0(issued separately when necessary!). <\/em>There are three levels of warning:<\/p>\n

Amber Rainstorm Signal<\/h3>\n

An amber signal means there’s potential heavy rain that may develop into red or black rainstorms. You may see flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. Take necessary precautions to reduce your exposure to risk!<\/p>\n

Red Rainstorm Signal<\/h3>\n

Rain is now heavy and could bring about serious road flooding and traffic congestion. If you have to travel, take precautions! If this signal is issued before work, you can go in as usual provided that transport services are available. If it’s issued during office hours, stay indoors.<\/p>\n

Black Rainstorm Signal<\/h3>\n

Very heavy rain has fallen, exceeding 70 millimetres in an hour! Stop work, stay indoors and take shelter. Try to not go into work and if you’re already there, stay in your office unless it’s dangerous to do so. If combined with a strong typhoon, you’re likely to be evacuated (aka. directed to go home!)<\/em>\u00a0a few hours before the rainstorm and typhoon signal is raised.<\/p>\n

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How To Prepare Your Home For A Typhoon<\/h2>\n

The level of preparation you need to do before a typhoon will largely depend on where you live.<\/strong> There’s going to be a lot more to do for those living in village houses in the New Territories<\/a>, on Outlying Islands and those living on boats in Hong Kong but even those in the city should do a check of their supplies.<\/p>\n