Hong Kong tropical cyclone warning signals

The tropical cyclone warning signals in Hong Kong (Chinese热带 气旋 警告 信号, English Hong Kong tropical cyclone warning signal ) or informally typhoon warnings (台风 信号, typhoon warnings ) are a series of signals that are used to the risks and impacts of a tropical cyclone display. The Hong Kong Observatory is warning signals when a tropical cyclone is approaching 800 kilometers of Hong Kong and later impact on Hong Kong can have. A very similar system is used by the Directorate- dos Serviços e Meteorológicos Geofisicos de Macau.

These signals consist of a set of numbers, symbols and lights.

History

In 1884 was begun to raise under the action of a drum, a combination of balls and cones to warn mariners in Victoria Harbour in front of an approaching typhoon. For the general public, a cannon was fired. This cannon was replaced in 1907 by explosive charges, as they were louder and were regarded as an improvement. The last such explosion was triggered in 1937.

The first warning system built on numbers was introduced in 1917. The numbers ran from 1 to 7, where the numbers signaled 2-5 awaited storm winds from each of the four quadrants. The system was modified in 1931. Now the numbers 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 were used, with the numbers 5-8, the quadrant represented. The signal number 3 - Strong wind - in 1956 as an intermediate signal for number one - implemented and the storm warning signals - readiness.

In the past, these signals were hoisted in many places in Hong Kong. In the 1960s, there were 42 of these navaids in the colony. Weather reports on radio and television took increasingly in importance and effectiveness, so that the need went back to rear signals. The last signal station on Cheung Chau was decommissioned on 1 January 2002. Accordingly, the Observatory has changed the wording and the word hoist ( raise ) in its official terminology by issue (spend) replaced. The term " signal number was reared __ " is still used widely in public.

The current system

Beginning on January 1, 1973, the signals 5 to 8 by 8 NW, 8 SW, 8 NE and 8 SE were replaced in order to avoid misunderstandings in public. This system has since been in use.

According to statute, and the usual practice in Hong Kong provide all authorities cease to function as soon as a higher signal is output as number 3. Schools immediately terminate their teaching, close the financial markets and other shops. Resting Public transport at sea or on roads and highways, or is returned. To minimize disturbances and stress, which is caused by the cumulative return of the workers from their jobs, the Hong Kong Observatory announces normally two hours before the output of the signal number 8 is a warning.

Since the system originally served to serve the sailors warning was based, the output of warning signals on wind speeds were measured around the Victoria Harbour. Over the years the system has been accepted by the general public in Hong Kong. From the 2007 typhoon season in the issuance of warning signals based on wind measurements practically at sea level of eight measuring points distributed over Hong Kong.

Meaning of the signals

The warning signs are defined as follows: