Typhoon in Hong Kong

Do you know the name “typhoon” (regional name for tropical cyclone in northwest Pacific) originates from Persian and Chinese?

Well…I don’t know Persian, so I will go straight to Chinese (Cantonese, to be exact). The name comes from 大風 (big wind), and later became 颱風, where 颱 already stands for “cyclone” or “storm”, and 風means “wind”.

Hong Kong has its own typhoon warning signals, which has been implemented since 1884.

It’s originally a 7-level warning system, with level 7 being the most severe. It was then changed into 10-level in 1931, and eventually 5-level in 1973, which has been used ever since.

The 5-level warning system consists of Typhoon Signal no. 1, 3, 8, 9 and 10.

While signal no. 1 and 3 are just relatively mild warnings reminding people to secure loose objects and not to engage in water-related activities, signal no. 8 to 10 are way more serious.

Once signal no.8 or above is hoisted in Hong Kong, all government agencies, schools, financial markets and most companies (some companies do open, like fast food restaurants and convenience stores) have to be closed…Which means a day-off for Hongkongers!

Well, not necessarily, it depends on when the signal is hoisted and cleared. Sometimes, when the signal is cleared in the morning, or before noon, we will still have to get our unwilling as…er, butts back to the offices or schools.

So while it sounds silly, most Hongkongers seems to be happy rather than worried when they see typhoons coming because…you know.

I mean, imagine the excitement!

That very possibility that you may get a free day-off!

The thrill of something MAY or MAY NOT happen!

The build-up! The expectation! The Suspense! The finale!

…And the disappointment in most cases.