Hong Kong Typhoon Guide: T1, T3 And T8 Signals Explained

What happens when a T3, T8 or T10 signal is raised in Hong Kong? Here’s how typhoon warnings affect schools, transport and family life — plus how to prepare your home and keep everyone safe.

Hong Kong typhoons are all part of the experience of living in this wonderful city, but it can still be a bit nerve-wracking — especially with kids at home! That’s why we’ve put together this guide to explain the Hong Kong Observatory’s warning signals, how you should prepare your home for a typhoon and, where to get help and up-to-date information.

For a handy cheat sheet, save and print our downloadable with important phone numbers and what to do during the storm.

Jump To:
When Is Typhoon Season In Hong Kong
Hong Kong Typhoon Signals Explained
What Happens During A T8 In Hong Kong
How To Prepare For A Typhoon
What To Do During A Typhoon With Kids
Where To Find Typhoon Updates
Hong Kong Emergency Numbers
What To Do After A Typhoon

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When Is Typhoon Season In Hong Kong?

Hong Kong’s typhoon season typically runs from May to November, with storms most likely between July and September. These tropical cyclones, known as hurricanes in North America, or cyclones in the southern hemisphere, can bring strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, landslides and property damage.

Thankfully, there is usually a few days’ warning, giving you time to prepare, and Hong Kong is well equipped to handle severe weather, particularly in urban areas.

Typhoon Warning Signals Explained

For forecasts, warnings and live storm updates, check the Hong Kong Observatory’s MyObservatory app.

Hong Kong uses five tropical cyclone warning levels: T1, T3, T8, T9 and T10. These signals reflect the threat of winds across the territory, although conditions can vary depending on your location, elevation and surrounding buildings. Hong Kong Observatory

Read More: Essential Hong Kong Numbers, Apps And Websites For Parents

What Happens During A T8 In Hong Kong?

This is when things start to get serious and the city begins to shut down. Schools close, many offices and shops follow suit, and public transport, taxis and flights are heavily disrupted. The Hong Kong Observatory normally gives around two hours’ notice that a T8 is coming, giving you time to collect the kids, make transport arrangements, grab any last-minute supplies and get somewhere safe.

Expect gale or storm-force winds — this is definitely the time to stay safely indoors.

How To Prepare For A Typhoon

How much preparation you need to do will largely depend on where you live. Those in village houses, on Outlying Islands or living on boats will have more to consider, but even families in the city should secure their homes and check their supplies.

Secure your home

Bring outdoor furniture inside or tie it down securely — We saw a lot of cushions and even pieces of furniture flying through Mid-Levels during Typhoon Mangkhut!

Stock up on food, water and family essentials

Stock up on long-life food and water, with at least 24 hours’ worth for the whole family. Enough to last two to three days is better if you live in an area prone to isolation. Don’t forget supplies for babies, children and furry friends!

As hard as it is to believe, your usual home delivery services may not be available once the T8 signal is raised.

Charge devices and prepare an emergency kit

Charge important devices such as phones and laptops, as well as power banks for backup. During Mangkhut, many still had internet and power, but it all depended on your building and location.

Also consider preparing an emergency bag or box with flashlights (and working batteries!), first-aid supplies and a hard copy of important phone numbers in case your phone dies.

Typhoon preparation for boats and village houses

Homes in more remote parts of Hong Kong may be at greater risk of power and water outages, flooding or longer road closures. Make sure you have enough supplies to manage for a few days and secure anything outside that could become airborne.

Boat owners should ensure their vessels are appropriately moored and seek shelter on land.

Read More: Supermarkets With Grocery Delivery In Hong Kong

What To Do During A Typhoon With Kids

Once a T8 signal is raised, stay indoors and away from exposed windows and doors. Even if it looks calm outside, strong winds can return suddenly, so don’t risk it — stay put until the warning is lowered.

With everyone safely settled, your biggest task will be keeping the kids entertained. Settle in for a family movie, bring out the board games, podcasts or craft supplies, or use the time to cull the clutter around the house.

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Where To Find Typhoon Updates

Even though your news feeds will likely be blowing up with all things typhoon-related, for the official advice look first to look to the Hong Kong Observatory. It will have information on typhoon tracking and intensity as well as rain, landslide and flood warnings in specific areas.

News outlets are also sure to be constantly updating coverage around the territory.

Hong Kong Emergency Numbers

Here is a handy list of Hong Kong emergency phone numbers:

Read More: Hong Kong Public And Private Hospitals — Where To Go In An Emergency

What To Do After A Typhoon

You might be surprised at how quickly the city returns to normal after a typhoon. Roads are cleared of debris ASAP so that public transport can get up and running and businesses start to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so (often not long after the signals are lowered). You may notice repairs in the weeks following the storm, but in general daily life resumes before you know it!

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