Current System
Starting from 1 January 1973, signals 5 to 8 were replaced by 8 NW, 8 SW, 8 NE and 8 SE respectively so as to avoid misunderstanding by the public. This system has been in use ever since.
In accordance with legal codes and common practices in Hong Kong, once any signals higher than No. 3 are issued, all government agencies will shut down their operations. Schools will immediately cease their sessions, as well the financial markets and a majority of the private sector. Public transit agencies that operate on the sea or on surface streets and highways will either cease or scale back their operation. In an effort to minimise the disruptions and stress caused by the exodus of office workers from their workplace, the Hong Kong Observatory usually gives the territory an advance warning of about two hours before actually issuing Signal No. 8.
As the system was originally intended to serve as warnings for mariners, the issuance of signals were based on wind speeds measured around the Victoria Harbour. However, the system has also been adopted for use by the public over the years, and with ongoing urbanization, some have come to question the relevance of the warning system's mechanism in this day and age, citing the following reasons:
- The territory enters a complete standstill once Signal No. 8 is issued, and economic losses are incurred as a result of disruptions to financial activities.
- An overwhelming majority of buildings in Hong Kong are now built using concrete, and thus are able to withstand substantially higher wind speeds.
- With many tall skyscrapers acting as barriers, wind speeds are slowed, thus minimising the danger that citizens are exposed to.
- The advent of Mass Transit Railway (MTR) has allowed transportation to operate underground, free from weather interferences.
- After being released from work due to an impending storm, many officeworkers treat their time off as an opportunity to go out and socialize, as evident by full restaurants and queues outside cinemas, rather than to go home and ride out the storm, exemplifying the trust Hong Kongers have in the territory's storm defenses.
Starting from the tropical cyclone season in 2007, the signals are issued based on a network of 8 near sea-level reference anemometers over Hong Kong.
Read more about this topic: Hong Kong Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals
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