https://www.scmp.com/rss/516560/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong will experience between four and seven typhoons from June to October, according to the city’s weather forecaster, fewer than half of last year’s record-breaking 14 tropical cyclones. The Observatory also said on Monday the city would be hotter than average this year under the influence of the warming El Nino weather phenomenon. The tropical cyclone season in Hong Kong is expected to start in June or later and end in October or before, according to Observatory director Chan... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3347619/hong-kong-projected-face-4-7-typhoons-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3347619/hong-kong-projected-face-4-7-typhoons-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:16:04 +0000 Brian Wang,Carlos Araujo,Catherine Ma,Davies Christian Surya,Jiang Chuqin,Joe Lo,Kaliz Lee,Rocio Marquez,Victor Sanjinez Brian Wang,Carlos Araujo,Catherine Ma,Davies Christian Surya,Jiang Chuqin,Joe Lo,Kaliz Lee,Rocio Marquez,Victor Sanjinez https://www.scmp.com/infographics/hong-kong/society/article/3326461/when-typhoon-hits-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/infographics/hong-kong/society/article/3326461/when-typhoon-hits-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:00:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Once again, Hong Kong survives another typhoon largely unscathed. This owes much not just to Tropical Storm Tapah’s weaker strength and farther off trajectory, but also the lessons in coping with the vagaries of typhoons and rainstorms over the years, some learned rather painfully. The relatively smooth experience this time will help the city’s preparedness for the onslaught of extreme weather. The swift return to normality – after almost 16 hours of a near standstill under typhoon signal No 8 –... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3324757/smooth-handling-typhoon-tapah-reflects-hong-kongs-preparedness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3324757/smooth-handling-typhoon-tapah-reflects-hong-kongs-preparedness?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Sep 2025 23:15:11 +0000 Enoch Yiu Enoch Yiu The insurance sector is busy helping Hong Kong’s 600 stockbrokers get their staff the coverage they require for working through typhoons and other savage weather when the rules change in September, according to industry players. The bourse operator, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), will allow the trading of stocks and derivatives to continue during severe storms and torrential rain starting from September 23. The move will scrap the 70-year-old practice of halting trading on markets or... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3271436/hong-kong-stockbrokers-rush-get-staff-covered-work-through-typhoons-rainstorms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3271436/hong-kong-stockbrokers-rush-get-staff-covered-work-through-typhoons-rainstorms?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:30:10 +0000 Hong Kong’s insurance industry received a total of HK$1.9 billion (US$243.6 million) in claims related to damage caused by a devastating black rainstorm and Typhoon Saola in September, making them among the highest claims on record. The city’s 104 general insurers received a combined HK$1.54 billion worth of claims filed by the owners of cars, businesses and property for the damage done by the black rainstorm on September 7 and 8, according to data from the Insurance Authority released on... https://www.scmp.com/business/money/article/3243809/insurance-once-500-years-rainstorm-typhoon-saola-incurred-us244-million-claims-second-and-fourth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/money/article/3243809/insurance-once-500-years-rainstorm-typhoon-saola-incurred-us244-million-claims-second-and-fourth?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:00:21 +0000 Insurance claims related to natural disasters in Hong Kong are expected to surge to a record high this year after the recent sharp rise in the number of typhoons and rainstorms, according to analysts. “Hong Kong has experienced three typhoons and two black rainstorms over the past two months, which is much more frequent than the previous years when usually we have only one super typhoon a year,” said Kenrick Chung, director of Ben. Excellence Consultancy, an insurance broker in Hong Kong. The... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3237337/hong-kong-insurers-could-face-record-high-claims-host-typhoons-rainstorms-inflict-damage-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3237337/hong-kong-insurers-could-face-record-high-claims-host-typhoons-rainstorms-inflict-damage-city?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:03:24 +0000 Last week, Hong Kong suffered the effects of Super Typhoon Saola as it swept through the city. In a matter of hours, everything had ground to a halt: shops, restaurants and public transport alike. I, like most of the 7.5 million others, found myself stuck indoors, waiting for the storm to abate. Amid the ceaseless rain and howling winds, you cannot help but ponder. As I gazed out of the window of my hotel at the Chek Lap Kok airport, I noticed an eerie absence – there were no birds perched on... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3233509/did-anyone-spare-thought-safety-animals-during-typhoon-saola?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3233509/did-anyone-spare-thought-safety-animals-during-typhoon-saola?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Sep 2023 22:15:16 +0000 Extreme weather events can be so violent and unpredictable that being prepared is essential for personal safety and the protection of public and private property. Key to that, apart from learning the lessons of past storms, is an early warning that errs on the side of caution. Hong Kong officials can take a pat on the back after Super Typhoon Saola. Preparedness was not the only reason the storm passed without loss of life or catastrophic damage. But a lack of it could have been a different... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3233408/hong-kong-needs-find-way-keep-working-during-typhoons?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3233408/hong-kong-needs-find-way-keep-working-during-typhoons?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Sep 2023 22:30:09 +0000 The search is back on for a 57-year-old Hong Kong hiker who has been missing for 11 days, amid improved conditions following the departure of Typhoon Saola. The Fire Services Department told the Post on Sunday that it had relaunched efforts to find Ning Kwok-leung on Saturday evening at 5pm after authorities lowered a No 8 typhoon warning. A spokesman for the department said it had deployed 50 people, including members of the mountain search and rescue team and a support unit. A search dog and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3233276/search-back-hong-kong-hiker-missing-11-days-84-personnel-scour-country-park-after-departure-typhoon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3233276/search-back-hong-kong-hiker-missing-11-days-84-personnel-scour-country-park-after-departure-typhoon?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Sep 2023 14:49:40 +0000 Hong Kong must “revolutionise” how trees are planted to prevent thousands being felled, as well as reducing property damage risks and ensuring public safety, as a second storm could potentially hit just days after Super Typhoon Saola, experts have said. “We have to revolutionise the way we plant trees in this high-density environment,” Professor Jim Chi-yung, of the Education University of Hong Kong’s geography and environmental science wing, said on Sunday. “We were very lucky that Super... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233263/hong-kong-must-revolutionise-tree-planting-methods-ensure-public-safety-reduce-property-damage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233263/hong-kong-must-revolutionise-tree-planting-methods-ensure-public-safety-reduce-property-damage?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Sep 2023 11:32:36 +0000 Hong Kong is breathing a sigh of relief as Super Typhoon Saola relents after sweeping through the city, bringing it to a virtual halt. It was a lucky escape. This was the first time in five years the No 10 hurricane signal had been hoisted and there were fears of a repeat of the chaos wreaked by another super typhoon, Mangkhut, in 2018. That storm left more than 450 people injured, uprooted 60,000 trees and caused widespread damage. Thankfully, the city was spared the worst this time. The feared... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3233216/storm-measures-are-costly-and-inconvenient-safety-key?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3233216/storm-measures-are-costly-and-inconvenient-safety-key?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Sep 2023 13:03:15 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong was spared the worst of Typhoon Saola on Saturday, but the most powerful storm to hit the city in five years left fallen trees, rubbish-strewn streets and flooded coastal communities in its wake. Pelted by wind and rain from the remnants of the storm, residents ventured out of their homes in the early morning seeking basic necessities after spending... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233189/typhoon-saola-aftermath-hong-kong-wakes-debris-and-fallen-trees-roads-damage-not-bad-feared?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233189/typhoon-saola-aftermath-hong-kong-wakes-debris-and-fallen-trees-roads-damage-not-bad-feared?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Sep 2023 04:32:54 +0000 Hong Kong’s Airport Authority on Saturday said about 480 flights would resume as the effects of Typhoon Saola waned, with the first planes departing and landing in the city at around 11am. Flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways said it would resume departing flights from noon and operate additional ones to the UK or Canada amid strong demand. Chapman Fong Shui-man, deputy director of airport operations at the authority, said: “Under our flight reassignment mechanism, we will resume about 480... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3233183/480-hong-kong-flights-resume-effects-typhoon-saola-wane-first-planes-and-out-city-around-11am?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3233183/480-hong-kong-flights-resume-effects-typhoon-saola-wane-first-planes-and-out-city-around-11am?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Sep 2023 03:20:50 +0000 Staff found a 30cm-long (12 inches) snake near an operating theatre in a Hong Kong hospital early on Friday, the Post has learned, with an expert suspecting the unstable weather caused by an approaching super typhoon forced the reptile to move indoors. A source said the snake was spotted at an operating theatre at Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam. “This is a major breach of hospital hygiene standards,” the source said. “Snakes carry lots of bacteria and germs and can bite.” A hospital... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233153/snakes-alive-hong-kong-hospital-staff-find-30cm-reptile-near-operating-theatre-expert-suspecting-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233153/snakes-alive-hong-kong-hospital-staff-find-30cm-reptile-near-operating-theatre-expert-suspecting-it?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:33:53 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Super Typhoon Saola’s “double eyewall” is a feature of very strong storms and commonly seen in half of hurricanes in the United States, experts have said, as Hong Kong braces itself for what could be one of the city’s worst weather events in years. The Observatory upgraded its typhoon signal to No 9 from No 8 at 6.20pm on Friday as the storm skirted within... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233144/what-super-typhoon-saolas-double-eyewall-hong-kong-experts-say-2-cloud-rings-typical-very-strong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233144/what-super-typhoon-saolas-double-eyewall-hong-kong-experts-say-2-cloud-rings-typical-very-strong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Sep 2023 11:44:09 +0000 Hong Kong coastal communities are nervously waiting to see whether measures adopted after previous storms will help protect against flooding from Super Typhoon Saola as it barrels towards the city. The Observatory on Friday warned the storm surge from Saola would match that of Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018 when record spikes in water levels devastated waterfront neighbourhoods. Seawater at parts of Lei Yue Mun, a seaside village in east Kowloon known for its seafood restaurants, briefly rose to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233120/hong-kong-coastal-residents-face-nervous-wait-see-if-lessons-learned-past-storms-stand-flooding-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233120/hong-kong-coastal-residents-face-nervous-wait-see-if-lessons-learned-past-storms-stand-flooding-test?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Sep 2023 09:31:34 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at the Hong Kong International Airport on Friday after about 460 flights were cancelled amid the approach of Super Typhoon Saola. Cathay Pacific Airways, the city’s flag carrier, said it was aiming to resume flights at midday on Saturday, with staff to remain at the airport until that time. Hong Kong Airlines expects... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3233091/super-typhoon-saola-travellers-hoping-fly-and-hong-kong-left-stranded-storm-draws-closer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3233091/super-typhoon-saola-travellers-hoping-fly-and-hong-kong-left-stranded-storm-draws-closer?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Sep 2023 08:17:50 +0000 As Hongkongers hunker down and prepare for the prospect of a No 10 signal going up on Friday in response to the encroaching Super Typhoon Saola, the Post takes a look back at some of the ferocious storms that have battered the city. Typhoon Mangkhut The storm, which was named after the Thai word for mangosteen fruit, struck the city on September 16, 2018, and is considered one of the most powerful since records began in 1946. The Hong Kong Observatory issued a No 10 signal that remained in force... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233075/hong-kong-hunkers-down-super-typhoon-saola-post-looks-back-citys-most-ferocious-storms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233075/hong-kong-hunkers-down-super-typhoon-saola-post-looks-back-citys-most-ferocious-storms?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Sep 2023 06:51:36 +0000 Guangdong’s top official called for a “near-war state” as the southern province braced for the arrival of Super Typhoon Saola. Huang Kunming, the Communist Party chief of Guangdong, made the comments at a meeting of senior provincial officials on Thursday night, according to the Nanfang Daily. Huang said authorities in Guangdong should “stand by and make every effort to win the tough battle against the typhoon and effectively safeguard the lives and property of the people”. Super Typhoon Saola:... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3233065/china-braces-super-typhoon-saola-guangdong-party-boss-calls-near-war-state-combat-storm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3233065/china-braces-super-typhoon-saola-guangdong-party-boss-calls-near-war-state-combat-storm?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Sep 2023 06:12:27 +0000 A 62-year-old Hong Kong man who sparked a citywide search was found safe on a hillside in Stanley and airlifted to hospital on Thursday night, hours before a No 8 typhoon signal went into effect. The man went missing after he left the infirmary ward at Cheshire Home, a care facility run by the Hospital Authority, in Chung Hom Kok during lunchtime on the same day without telling anyone. Police began investigating the 62-year-old’s whereabouts after receiving a report at 1.30pm. Officers then... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3233056/hong-kong-man-62-found-safe-stanley-hillside-after-citywide-search-hours-no-8-typhoon-warning-took?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3233056/hong-kong-man-62-found-safe-stanley-hillside-after-citywide-search-hours-no-8-typhoon-warning-took?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Sep 2023 05:07:58 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. With Super Typhoon Saola rapidly approaching Hong Kong an already packed football fixture list could be put under even more pressure if this weekend’s games are postponed. A full slate of matches had been planned for Saturday and Sunday ahead of a two-week break for the next Fifa playing window, when Hong Kong will take on Cambodia and Brunei. But with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3233053/super-typhoon-saola-hong-kong-football-bosses-prepare-axe-weekend-games-storm-threatens-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3233053/super-typhoon-saola-hong-kong-football-bosses-prepare-axe-weekend-games-storm-threatens-city?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Sep 2023 04:36:55 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong cancelled all typhoon warning signals on Saturday at 11.40 pm as Tropical Storm Saola weakened into a tropical depression.. The Observatory said Saola was gradually departing with local winds continuing to reduce. There will still be swells. Members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline, and not to engage in water sports. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233022/super-typhoon-saola-hong-kong-observatory-warns-weather-worsen-rapidly-storm-well-defined-eyewall?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3233022/super-typhoon-saola-hong-kong-observatory-warns-weather-worsen-rapidly-storm-well-defined-eyewall?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:02:57 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong’s stock market will close on Friday after the government hoisted the No 8 storm warning signal as Super Typhoon Saola approaches the city, bringing heavy rain and gales to the financial hub. Trading in stocks and futures will be suspended under the stock exchange’s rules on extreme-weather events, according to the bourse operator Hong Kong Exchanges... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3233020/super-typhoon-saola-hong-kong-halts-stock-trading-citys-t8-storm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3233020/super-typhoon-saola-hong-kong-halts-stock-trading-citys-t8-storm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Aug 2023 23:08:00 +0000 Residents have stripped supermarket shelves bare as they rushed to stock up on food as Super Typhoon Saola edged closer to Hong Kong, prompting some to complain about items running out. The rush to buy supplies followed the Hong Kong Observatory’s announcement that it would issue a No 8 signal between 2am and 5am on Friday, adding it would upgrade the warning to No 10 if wind speeds reached hurricane levels. The Post observed long queues as shoppers bought bread, meats and fresh vegetables at... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3232995/super-typhoon-saola-hong-kong-shoppers-strip-supermarket-shelves-bare-fresh-goods-storm-edges-closer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3232995/super-typhoon-saola-hong-kong-shoppers-strip-supermarket-shelves-bare-fresh-goods-storm-edges-closer?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:52:27 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. China issued its highest storm warning on Thursday, as Super Typhoon Saola edged closer to the south of the country, threatening Hong Kong and the manufacturing hub of Shenzhen. The southern provinces of Guangdong and Fujian also issued warnings as the powerful storm approaches. The National Meteorological Centre issued the red alert at 6am, saying the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3232947/super-typhoon-saola-highest-warning-storm-barrels-towards-southern-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3232947/super-typhoon-saola-highest-warning-storm-barrels-towards-southern-china?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Aug 2023 08:14:55 +0000 Hong Kong authorities have deployed nearly 150 personnel in the search for a 57-year old hiker missing for a week, as an approaching super typhoon adds to fears for his safety. Ning Kwok-leung left home to go on a solo hike in Ma On Shan Country Park last Wednesday and was reported missing by his family the same day. He struggled to speak in a call to emergency hotline officers on Saturday. The Fire Services Department said it had deployed 101 personnel on Wednesday, including members of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3232860/150-personnel-join-search-hong-kong-hiker-missing-week-super-typhoon-edges-closer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3232860/150-personnel-join-search-hong-kong-hiker-missing-week-super-typhoon-edges-closer?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Aug 2023 12:53:30 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Hong Kong Observatory will issue the No 3 warning signal on Thursday as Super Typhoon Saola edges closer to the city. The No 1 signal was raised at 5.40pm on Wednesday, with the weather forecaster saying the path and intensity of Saola was still uncertain due to a northeastern monsoon and another tropical storm, Haikui. Latest: Hong Kong to issue T3... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3232763/hong-kong-issue-t1-typhoon-warning-signal-wednesday-evening-super-typhoon-saola-edges-closer-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3232763/hong-kong-issue-t1-typhoon-warning-signal-wednesday-evening-super-typhoon-saola-edges-closer-city?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Aug 2023 02:43:45 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Observatory predicts Super Typhoon Saola will be closest to Hong Kong on Saturday and has said it will issue a storm warning in the next couple of days. Downpours lashed the city on Tuesday as Saola edged closer and the weather forecaster said it was centred about 410km (254 miles) south-southeast of Kaohsiung in Taiwan at 11pm. Latest: Hong Kong to issue... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3232733/typhoon-saola-hong-kong-lashed-rain-storm-edges-closer-observatory-consider-issuing-warning-signal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3232733/typhoon-saola-hong-kong-lashed-rain-storm-edges-closer-observatory-consider-issuing-warning-signal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:28:13 +0000 This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Hong Kong Observatory will consider issuing a warning later this week over a super typhoon that is moving along an unpredictable path and may interact with another intense storm brewing in the South China Sea. The weather forecaster on Monday said Super Typhoon Saola would be within 800km (497 miles) of the city on Wednesday, based on the latest... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3232527/hong-kong-braces-possible-hit-super-typhoon-saola-wednesday-observatory-assesses-need-warning-signal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3232527/hong-kong-braces-possible-hit-super-typhoon-saola-wednesday-observatory-assesses-need-warning-signal?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Aug 2023 05:54:09 +0000