Hong Kong tropical cyclone warning signals

Hong Kong tropical cyclone warning signals
Traditional Chinese熱帶氣旋警告信號
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyinrèdài qìxuán jǐnggào xìnhào
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationYiht daai hei syùhn gíng gou seun houh
JyutpingJit6 daai3 hei3 syun4 ging2 gou3 seon3 hou6
Typhoon signals
Traditional Chinese風球
Literal meaningWind balls
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyinfēngqiú
Yue: Cantonese
Yale RomanizationFūng kàuh
JyutpingFung1 kau4
Sidney LauFung1 kau4

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.