The Typhoon Signal has been Hoisted

We are used to tornado watches and thunderstorm warnings, but typhoon signals are completely new to us. There is a numbering system, from 1-10, that indicates the level of severity and proximity of an approaching tropical storm. When an alert is issued, the phrase "Typhoon Signal # has been Hoisted." The "hoisted" term goes back to the days when the alert system used by the mariners. The system has since been adopted for general public use...and the hoisted term stuck.

There have been several Signal 1 alerts since we've been here. That just means that a tropical storm is within 800 km of Hong Kong. Life goes on as usual. We've also experienced a couple of Signal 3s. Wind picks up, it may rain, and the swimming pool and kindergartens close. With a Signal 8, all schools and businesses close. People are advised to stay at home. A Signal 10 means that there are hurricane force winds. Nothing like an 8 or 10 has happened since we arrived...

Until last night. We had a Signal 9. Wow. The rain and wind pounded our windows; our air conditioning units and vents rattled. There was a scary whistling sound throughout the apartment. We discovered several leaky windows. The huge windows in the living room, dining room, and bedrooms that are lovely on a normal day seemed like huge liabilities as the storm roared on. But, we were happy to be on the 9th floor, rather than the 31st floor; we've heard that higher floor zones can actually feel a bit of a sway during typhoons. We decided our hallway, with all the bedroom doors closed would be our shelter area, if needed. (I was really missing our basement!)

Fortunately, we didn't need to take shelter. The storm passed and we're back to a Signal 3. Bus service in the area has been suspended while storm debris is picked up. Otherwise, it's business as usual.

I guess we'll have to get used to this weather phenomenon - typhoon season lasts until November!