How to survive a typhoon in Hong Kong

If you have lived in Hong Kong long enough, there is almost a 100% probability that you would develop a love hate relationship with typhoons, or specifically, the (in)famous and rather anticipated Typhoon Signal no. 8. 

If you have not seen this on HK dramas, you may ask: "What is Typhoon Signal no. 8? What is so special about it? And why no. 8?" Although the HK population is predominantly Chinese, the No. 8 has nothing to do with the Chinese's undying love and worship of money. Then again, if No. 8 also signifies luck, then we may be able to explain it away (more on this later). 

Typhoon 8, in short, means the winds are strong enough that you are advised to get the hell go home pronto, stay indoors, and avoid shorelines. Your umbrella probably wouldn't survive the storm, so be prepared for the sacrifice.

Taken from the Hong Kong Observatory info sheet

After surviving my second T8 typhoon, here are a few things that I found useful to know when preparing for the bad weather:

1. Knowledge is king

Have the Hong Kong Observatory app (android | iPhone) installed on your phone. Seriously. It is perhaps the only app you want to receive push messages from besides your 101 messaging apps. This will give you the latest updates on weather, whether it is typhoons, heavy rain (black rain), or just frickin hot weather. It is also useful when you, you know, have to make small talk about the weather.

2. Try to go home early

Warning signals for typhoons are usually hoisted a few hours earlier than it is expected. This is to make allowance for people to return to safety before the storm hits. Check your company/school policy on how soon you can leave the office. Sometimes we think we can game the system and work until the last allowable minute, but I don't think it is advisable. Buses would be packed and transport service may end earlier. That spreadsheet can wait. You only live once.

3. You may need some supplies (but probably not too much)

Big storms in HK usually won't last more than one or two days (I was told). So some supply of dry goods (biscuits, cup noodles) are useful, but you really don't have to clean the aisle at ParknShop.

Unless you're super rich or happen to live in a place where there is no barrier between you and the sea, you will likely experience a milder version of the storm. If you are, then, the HKO has more tips for you here.

So, coming back to the love hate relationship. If you've seen people moan about the typhoon leaving HK earlier today, here are some FAQs about the realities of having a typhoon disrupt your daily routine.

1. What's so special about the T8 warning? And why do some HK people wish it stays hoisted for longer?

With T8 in force, if you are at work, most of the time you get to leave early. If T8 happens in the morning, you get to sleep in. If T8 lasts beyond 12pm, most offices will close for the day. Makes sense now? To some, T8 is synonymous with a precious day off (to work in your pajamas).

2. Isn't T8, like, very serious?

Yes, the winds are very strong and building do get damaged. However, if we stay indoors we are generally safe. Sometimes there will be floods so it's useful to have some supplies (see above) just in case.

3. Is it true that HK comes to a standstill when T8 happens?

No. People will work at home if there are deadlines to meet. A storm just means you are not physically in a office. Imagine this exchange. Macai: "Boss, it's T8 today." Boss: "Yes, you don't have to come to the office. Please send me the report at 9am tomorrow." So, unless there is a power outage you bet at least 50% of the working population will still be working at home. Though, this time we have to say about 40% because the remaining 10% is out playing Pokemon Go.

4. So, are most people sort of happy when T8 happens?

It depends on what time it happens (see 1). Also, it depends on your thrill seeking behavior (see video below). Generally, if T8 is still in force by 8 a.m. the only question on the minds of 100% of the working population is "Do I have to go to work today?". Sometimes it generates a great amount of anxiety and speculation in Whatsapp/WeChat groups.

So, there's that. We may joke about it here but most typhoons will bring destruction in its wake. While I am grateful Typhoon Nida did not hit Hong Kong that severely, my thoughts are with friends in Shenzhen and Guangdong.