(Wednesday October 20, 2010 about 19:15)
As I am typing this, the Hong Kong Observatory website, as well as the local television channels show that the Standby Signal No.1 is currently in force.
The local media was today awash with news of Severe Typhoon Megi‘s destruction as it passed over the Philippines as well as it’s predicted path towards Hong Kong.
Reports are that Severe Typhoon Megi is the strongest typhoon in history with several media outlets labeling it a Super Typhoon.
As typhoons frequently hit this part of the world around this time of the year, I thought it would be a good idea to show you the local preparation and procedure whenever there is an impending typhoon. As I live right on Victoria Harbour, I will also show you some images of the progression of the storm as well as how it affects off-shore conditions in the busy channel between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
Local TV channel Pearl shows the T1 signal currently in force
Standby Signal No.1
The HK Observatory warns:
* Some precautions against damage should be taken now, gutters and drains should be cleared of obstructions. Hinges, bolts, locks and shutters of windows and doors should be checked.
* Since there are swells, you are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.
* All small vessels including low power vessels and fishing vessels in open sea should seek shelter as soon as possible. Please take any precautions necessary for small vessels and secure them properly with moorings.
This is how my building prepares for the storm, sticking large crosses with tape on large, exposed windows. This is the view from the gym:
Severe Typhoon Megi’s predicted path towards Hong Kong (as of 19:20)
Stay tuned for updates as the storm rolls in…
(Thursday, October 21, 2010 about 08:30)
The Hong Kong Observatory has hoisted the (upside-down T) Strong Wind Signal 3.
While Severe Typhoon Megi continues on course for the South China coast, it seems to be heading for landfall slightly to the north of Hong Kong. A direct hit on the SAR seems unlikely.
Severe Typhoon Megi’s path as of 8am Thursday 21 October 2010
While the Strong Wind Signal 3 is currently in force, there is but a whisper of wind here in Victoria Harbour.
The Observatory’s forecast for today is:
Fresh to strong northerly winds, gusty at times and occasionally reaching gale force on high ground. Cloudy with a few showers. The maximum temperature will be about 27 degrees. There are swells over the sea.
Outlook : Winds strengthening with squally showers in the next two days.
(Thursday October 21, 2010 about 18:45)
Batten down the hatches
It’s been a quiet day on the weather front with not much rain nor wind to speak of.
However, shortly before 6pm there was a noticeable increase in wind speed with a couple of drops of rain.
The management of my apartment building also started taking further precautionary measures (in addition to the taped windows) by placing water-filled barriers in front of all the large lobby windows.
An early-evening view of a calm Victoria Harbour (East) from the 15th floor (Pic: Mike Jansen)
Reports are that all kindergartens and special-needs schools were closed for the day.
The Strong-wind Signal No.3 is still in force.
The calm before the storm perhaps? (Pic: Mike Jansen)
(Friday October 22, 2010 (about 13:25)
A storm in a tea-cup yet again.
While the Strong Wind Signal No.3 is still in effect, Severe Typhoon Megi (meaning “cat fish” in Korean, my kids tell me) has all but left the building. There is hardly any wind to speak of here on Victoria Harbour and only a slight drizzle since about 8am.
