Hong Kong tropical cyclone warning signals
| Hong Kong tropical cyclone warning signals | |||||||||||||||
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| Traditional Chinese | 熱帶氣旋警告信號 | ||||||||||||||
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| Typhoon signals | |||||||||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 風球 | ||||||||||||||
| Literal meaning | Typhoon signal | ||||||||||||||
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Hong Kong tropical cyclone warning signals are issued by the Hong Kong Observatory to warn of a potential threat or effects of a tropical cyclone in the greater Hong Kong area. The signals are represented with a set of numbers and symbols. Previously, lights were also used at night.
The warning system currently in use in Hong Kong is based on a signal level from the lowest level, Hurricane Signal No. 1, to the highest level, Hurricane Signal No. 10. The signaled numbers may change in accordance with the conditions. Once any signal that is higher than No. 3 is issued, government agencies, schools, financial markets, and most of the private sector close their operations.
During major storms like Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, public transit was suspended and schools and businesses were closed.