Hong Kong Observatory defends forecast of Typhoon Linfa
Forecasters say No 8 signal was justified by the data and Linfa weakened faster than expected
The Hong Kong Observatory yesterday rejected a storm of criticism over Typhoon Linfa, insisting its decision to raise a No.8 signal that triggered a partial city shutdown was for the sake of public safety and based on meteorological data.
Businesses which shut their doors hours earlier than usual were not amused when the force of Linfa proved to be much milder than expected, saying Thursday’s shutdown had caused substantial losses.
Observatory assistant director Dr Cheng Cho-ming explained the inaccurate prediction, saying the storm and its rain bands had contracted rapidly as dry air on land absorbed its moisture.
“It turned out Linfa weakened at a faster pace than we expected. In fact, much faster,” Cheng told Commercial Radio. He said gusts of 63km/h – the minimum wind speed to warrant a No.8 signal – were recorded in Shenzhen.
But most parts of Hong Kong, such as those near sea level, were less windy because the city was shielded by mountainous areas to its north, Cheng said.
On Thursday, the Observatory raised the No.8 signal at 4.40pm, only to downgrade it barely six hours later, with most of the city experiencing no strong winds or heavy rain. Strong winds were recorded over places such as Lau Fau Shan, Chek Lap Kok, Cheung Chau, Ping Chau, Green Island, Tap Mun, Tai Mei Tuk and Sha Chau.