Hong Kong’s subtropical climate is characterised by weather phenomena such as tropical cyclones, rainstorms and thunderstorms. To ensure public safety and minimise disruption, the Hong Kong Observatory has established a comprehensive alert system for issuing warnings, and the Labour Department has developed guidelines for work and safety arrangements during adverse weather. When severe weather conditions occur, they often affect daily arrangements, including work and school schedules. This article provides an overview to help you respond to adverse weather conditions safely and swiftly.
Tropical cyclones
Tropical cyclones typically occur between May and November. To alert the public about potential dangers and impacts, the Hong Kong Observatory issues Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals, including Signal No.1, No.3, No.8, No.9 and No.10. When Standby Signal No.1 is issued, all schools and workplaces continue to operate as usual. However, when the signal is raised to No.3 or higher, you should take note of the corresponding operational and safety arrangements:
- Work arrangements:
Upon the issuance of the Pre-No. 8 Special Announcement, Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or higher, non-designated staff should be released from the workplaces or from work in stages in accordance with the agreed arrangements. If the workplaces are in danger, employers should arrange for staff, including designated staff, to be released from workplaces or from work early under feasible conditions and in a safe manner or make available a safe place as a temporary shelter for employees.
When Strong Wind Signal No. 3 is hoisted, employees should report for duty as usual. Employees should notify their supervisors as soon as possible if they have genuine difficulties in reporting for duty. Employers may exercise discretion to consider whether employees with special needs (such as pregnancy, disability or other conditions) should report for duty at workplaces.
In situations where the Typhoon Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above is lowered to No. 3, workplaces typically resume operations. Employees should return to work as soon as it is safe and feasible, considering transport availability and local conditions. Employers should allow for flexibility in work resumption arrangements, including staggered or remote working, to accommodate commuting challenges arising from the typhoon or its aftermath.
Before the commencement of employment contracts, employers should notify employees of the work arrangements in times of adverse weather, including reporting for duty, release from work, resumption of work and remote work (if applicable). In drawing up work arrangements for adverse weather with employees, employers should be sympathetic to the circumstances faced by individual employees (such as the road and traffic conditions of their places of residence and the vicinity), taking account of their genuine difficulties and needs, and should adopt a flexible approach.
-
School arrangements:
Classes of kindergartens, schools for children with physical disability and schools for children with intellectual disability are to be suspended during Strong Wind Signal No.3.
When Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal Pre-No.8 / No.8 or higher is issued, classes in all schools, including primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, special schools and evening schools are to be suspended. As regards the arrangements for post-secondary institutions, it is advised to contact the respective institutions directly for details. However, unless an announcement has been made that a public examination is cancelled or postponed, it should be assumed that the examination will proceed as scheduled. Students should pay attention to radio or television announcements made separately by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, as well as announcements on the Observatory’s “MyObservatory” app.
In the event that Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above is replaced by Signal No. 3, classes remain suspended for all kindergartens and schools for children with physical or intellectual disabilities. For other schools, the resumption of classes will be subject to the latest updates from schools and the Education Bureau.
Rainstorms
Rainstorms can develop quickly, so always stay alert to changes. Hong Kong uses a three-tier warning system: Amber, Red, and Black. When the Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal is announced, all workplaces and schools are to operate as usual unless advised otherwise. For the Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, the following special measures will be put into effect:
- Work arrangements:
If the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force, apart from designated staff specified by the employers, employees are advised to stay in the place they are currently in or in safe places, instead of heading for work immediately. Employees already reported for duty at workplaces could continue to work as usual in a safe manner. If the workplaces are in danger, employers should arrange for staff, including designated staff, to be released from workplaces or from work early under feasible conditions and in a safe manner or make available a safe place as a temporary shelter for employees.
Although employees are normally expected to resume work after the cancellation of the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, their journeys to the workplace may be hindered by the aftermath of adverse weather. Employers should be considerate, sympathetic and flexible in work resumption arrangements with due regard to the situations of individual employees.
- School arrangements:
If the Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is announced, schools generally suspend classes according to the time the signal is issued. Students should stay attentive to the relevant announcements to ensure their safety and to be informed of the arrangements in place.
Other adverse weather conditions
Being prepared for adverse weather conditions is essential for personal safety. Below are practical safety measures to follow during different weather situations:
Very Hot Weather Warning
Thunderstorms Warning
- Thunderstorms are common weather events, prompting the Observatory to issue short-term warnings
- Drivers on highways and flyovers should reduce their speed and remain vigilant for strong gusts of wind
- Individuals conducting outdoor activities are advised to seek shelter immediately
Landslip Warning
- Landslip warning is issued during or following prolonged heavy rainfall
- Pedestrians should avoid steep slopes and areas near retaining walls
- Motorists are advised to steer clear of roads marked with landslip warning signs and hilly terrain
Flooding Warning
- Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, particularly in the rural low-lying areas, natural flood-plains in the northern part of the territory and in parts of the urban areas10
- The Hong Kong Observatory issues “Special Announcement on flooding in the Northern New Territories” regarding flooding that is expected to occur or is occurring in the low-lying plains of the northern New Territories
- Individuals in the affected areas should take appropriate safety precautions.
In adapting to Hong Kong’s weather, it is essential to stay alert and make informed decisions in response to changing conditions. For real-time updates and recommended actions, download the “MyObservatory” mobile app or call the Dial-a-Weather system at 1878200. Always pay attention to real-time announcements from news, TV and radio. These channels provide timely and accurate information to help you stay safe and prepared at all times.
The information provided is for reference only and is subject to periodic updates. For the latest information, please visit the relevant website.