Hong Kong Observatory issues first T1 typhoon signal of the year as tropical depression approaches
Hong Kong Free Press
The Hong Kong Observatory has raised its first typhoon warning signal of the year, issuing the Standby Signal Number 1 at 5.40 pm on Thursday as a tropical depression approached the city.
“The broad area of low pressure over the central to northern part of the South China Sea continued to intensify in the past few hours, and will develop into a tropical depression shortly,” the Observatory said at 3.30 pm.
“There will be squally showers and thunderstorms and it will be windier over the region in the next couple of days,” the Observatory said.
Hong Kong’s official meteorological body in March forecast that the city would see between five and eight tropical storms that came within 500 kilometres this year.
Hong Kong was battered by several tropical cyclones last year, including Super Typhoon Saola, which prompted the Observatory to issue its highest storm warning for the first time in five years. A week later, record breaking rainfall drenched the city, causing widespread flooding and landslides.
“Extreme weather can become more frequent because of the climate change,” Observatory Director Chan Pak-wai said. “So Hong Kong citizens are reminded to get prepared for extreme weather, especially pay close attention to the weather forecast and warnings issued by the Observatory and get earlier prepared.”
The Observatory also predicted that 2024 could be one of Hong Kong’s hottest on record. The city already experienced its hottest April since records began, an “exceptionally warm” winter from December to February, and a “much warmer than usual” March.
Environment experts have said that the city needs more progressive and proactive environmental policies to address the climate crisis, including the need to conserve the natural environment and to speed up the transition towards green energy.
Typhoon Signal 1
The No.1 signal is the “Standby” signal. It is issued when a tropical cyclone is centred within about 800 kilometres of Hong Kong and may affect the territory.
- All schools and government services remain open.
- All public transport remains in service.
- The government advice is to take the tropical cyclone into account when planning activities and be wary of potential strong winds over offshore waters.
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