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Leopold Chen

Hong Kong and its neighbouring areas are on high alert as Super Typhoon Ragasa makes its way to the city, poised to bring strong winds, heavy rain and severe storm surges.
The cyclone is forecast to be closest to the city on Wednesday morning, with the Hong Kong Observatory warning that winds may reach hurricane force offshore and on high ground by then.
Hurricane-force winds refer to those that maintain a speed of at least 118km/h (73.3mph). The Observatory will raise its highest No 10 typhoon signal when hurricane-force winds are expected to affect the city.
The Post offers advice on how you can prepare for the cyclone.
1. Stay indoors and don’t hit the waterfront
According to guidelines from the Observatory, you should seek appropriate shelter when a No 8 or above warning signal is in force.
The Observatory has forecast that storm surges will cause water levels to rise about two metres (6.5 feet) over coastal areas of Hong Kong, resulting in flooding in low lying areas.
It is important not to risk your safety there, the forecaster warned, adding storm surges would be similar to those brought by super typhoons Mangkhut and Hato – both of which triggered the No 10 signal in the city.
Meanwhile, authorities have tightened crackdowns on illegal entry to closed beaches, an offence liable to a HK$2,000 (US$257) fine and up to 14 days in jail.
2. Stock up on supplies, but don’t panic
Governments in Macau and the neighbouring city of Shenzhen have called on residents to stock up on food and emergency supplies for several days.
According to them, items on your shopping list could include fresh meat and vegetables, biscuits, canned food, bread, bottled water and medicine.
You may also prepare a first aid kit, electronic flashlight, candles and power bank in case of a power outage.

However, panic buying will not be necessary as most cyclones that hit the city and trigger a No 3 or higher warning signal have lasted for less than 24 hours.
You should stock up only a necessary amount of items so that others can also get what they need.
3. Get your windows ready, but don’t get close
The Observatory has advised residents to apply adhesive tape to large windowpanes in positions exposed to strong winds, which would reduce damage and injury from broken glass.
Residents should also keep windows shut and make sure all items that can be blown away are kept indoors, it added.
But that does not mean 100 per cent safety. When Super Typhoon Mangkhut hit in 2018, Hong Kong authorities received at least 500 reports of smashed windows or glass curtain walls, so do not stay close to windows and doors exposed to winds.
“Glass, already under strain from wind pressure, will shatter easily if hit by a flying object. Make sure you have a safe place to shelter. You should only fix broken windows and doors when there is no danger in doing so,” the Observatory’s guideline reads.
If your windows are broken, find another safe shelter immediately.

4. Stay alert at all times
You should be vigilant all the time when the centre of a typhoon gets close enough to Hong Kong, even if the weather looks calm at certain periods, according to the Observatory.
That is because there is no wind at the eye or centre of a typhoon, and the relative calm could be “followed by a sudden resumption of violent winds from a different direction,” it adds.
“Remain where you are if protected and be prepared for destructive winds and the change in wind directions.”
Such violence after brief calmness had been recorded when super typhoons Rose and Wanda, both triggering the top No 10 hurricane signal, hit Hong Kong in 1971 and 1962, respectively.
Always follow radio, television, news sites and the Observatory’s website for the latest updates.


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Super Typhoon Ragasa

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Super Typhoon Ragasa as seen from the International Space Station. Photo: Yui Kimiya

Residents queue up to get groceries on Shing On Street in Sai Wan Ho on Monday. Photo: Jelly Tse

People tape up their windows in Heng Fa Chuen as Super Typhoon Ragasa moves towards the city. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hongkongers rush to stock up on essentials as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches

Residents rush to buy food as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches Hong Kong. Photo: Jelly Tse

Some stores were left with empty shelves as residents stocked up. Photo: Jelly Tse

Super Typhoon Ragasa: in China, Shenzhen to evacuate 400,000; Guangdong suspends trains

A cloud map from the Fengyun-4 satellite shows Super Typhoon Ragasa, which is expected to make landfall in China on Wednesday. Photo: handout

Help given to residents in low-lying areas as Ragasa puts Hong Kong on high alert

Preparations are made in flood-prone Tai O as Super Typhoon Ragasa nears. Photo: Eugene Lee

Preparations are under way in Tai O as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches the city. Photo: Eugene Lee

Super Typhoon Ragasa: Hong Kong to axe 700 flights, 4,000 officers on standby

Flight operations will be significantly reduced after 6pm on Tuesday. Photo:  Eugene Lee

The terminal building will operate despite the adverse weather. Photo: Dickson Lee

A satellite cloud image shows Super Typhoon Ragasa. Photo: Handout

Authorities say all schools will be suspended on Tuesday and Wednesday. Photo: Edmond So

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Hong Kong

Health & Environment

Cyclone expected to come closest to city on Wednesday morning, with hurricane-force winds of at least 118km/h


Cyclone expected to come closest to city on Wednesday morning, with hurricane-force winds of at least 118km/h.


Hong Kong weather

Weather

Extreme weather

Hong Kong Observatory

China

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.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Cyclone expected to come closest to city on Wednesday morning, with hurricane-force winds of at least 118km/h

1. Stay indoors and don’t hit the waterfront

Cyclone expected to come closest to city on Wednesday morning, with hurricane-force winds of at least 118km/h