10 Tropical Cyclones That Made Hong Kong History
- 0 Typhoon Signal 10s: 1946, 1954, 1957, 1962, 1968, 1979, 1983, 1999, 2012
- 1 Typhoon Signal 10s in August: 1968, 1979, 1983, 1999
- 2 Consecutive Typhoon Signal 10s: 1979 (Ruby, Sally), 1983 (Agnes, Ellen), 2012 (Vicente, Usagi)
- 4 Typhoon Signal 10s in a year: 1979
- 5 Ships lost during Signal 10 Agnes (1983): 19
- 8 People killed directly by Typhoon York (1999): 8
- 12 Direct fatalities from Typhoon Signal 10s: 12 (out of 182 total fatalities)
- 23 Years between Typhoon Signal 10s: 1957-1979, 1999-2012
- 85% of Typhoon Signal 10s occurred after 1979 (5 out of 8)
- 340 Typhoons have affected Hong Kong since 1947
Typhoon Signal 10: A History of Hong Kong’s Most Severe Tropical Cyclones
Typhoon Signal 10 is the highest level of tropical cyclone warning issued by the Hong Kong Observatory. It indicates that a tropical cyclone is expected to bring winds of 118 kilometers per hour or more to Hong Kong within the next two hours.
Typhoon Signal 10 is a relatively rare event, with only eight having been issued since 1946. However, these storms have caused significant damage and loss of life in Hong Kong.
The First Typhoon Signal 10: 1946
The first Typhoon Signal 10 was issued on September 17, 1946. The typhoon, which was later named Hope, brought winds of up to 178 kilometers per hour to Hong Kong. The storm caused widespread damage, including the collapse of a building in Wan Chai that killed 13 people.
Typhoon Signal 10s: 1954-1979
Three more Typhoon Signal 10s were issued in the 1950s and 1960s, all of which caused significant damage. The most destructive of these storms was Typhoon Wanda in 1962, which killed 124 people and left over 50,000 people homeless.
The 1970s saw a lull in Typhoon Signal 10s, with only one being issued in 1979. However, this storm, which was later named Typhoon Ruby, was one of the most destructive in Hong Kong’s history. Ruby brought winds of up to 220 kilometers per hour to the city, causing widespread damage and killing five people.
Typhoon Signal 10s: 1983-1999
The 1980s and 1990s saw a return to more frequent Typhoon Signal 10s, with three being issued in each decade. The most destructive of these storms was Typhoon Agnes in 1983, which killed 19 people and caused over HK\$1 billion in damage.
Typhoon Signal 10: 1999
The most recent Typhoon Signal 10 was issued in 1999 for Typhoon York. York was a powerful typhoon that brought winds of up to 165 kilometers per hour to Hong Kong. The storm killed eight people and caused widespread damage.
Typhoon Signal 10: 2012
In 2012, Hong Kong was hit by two Typhoon Signal 10s within a week. The first storm, Typhoon Vicente, brought winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour to the city. The second storm, Typhoon Usagi, was even stronger, with winds of up to 185 kilometers per hour. The two storms caused widespread damage and flooding, and together they killed four people.
Typhoon Signal 10: Lessons Learned
Typhoon Signal 10s have taught Hong Kong many lessons about how to prepare for and respond to these powerful storms. The city has invested heavily in its typhoon warning system, and it has also developed a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan. As a result of these efforts, Hong Kong is now better prepared than ever to withstand Typhoon Signal 10s.
8 Things You Should Know About Typhoon Signal 10
- Typhoon Signal 10 is the highest level of tropical cyclone warning issued by the Hong Kong Observatory.
- It indicates that a tropical cyclone is expected to bring winds of 118 kilometers per hour or more to Hong Kong within the next two hours.
- Typhoon Signal 10 is a relatively rare event, with only eight having been issued since 1946.
- These storms have caused significant damage and loss of life in Hong Kong.
- The most destructive Typhoon Signal 10 was Typhoon Wanda in 1962, which killed 124 people and left over 50,000 people homeless.
- Hong Kong has invested heavily in its typhoon warning system and has developed a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan.
- As a result of these efforts, Hong Kong is now better prepared than ever to withstand Typhoon Signal 10s.
- If you are in Hong Kong when a Typhoon Signal 10 is issued, you should stay indoors and follow the instructions of the authorities.
10 Tips for Staying Safe During Typhoon Signal 10
- Stay indoors during Typhoon Signal 10.
- Close all windows and doors.
- Fill your bathtub and other containers with water.
- Have a battery-powered radio and flashlight on hand.
- Charge your electronic devices.
- Secure loose objects outdoors.
- Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
- If you must drive, be aware of the risks and take precautions.
- Stay away from windows and doors.
- If you live in a low-lying area, be prepared to evacuate.