My First T-8: A Total Letdown.

Finally, I got my first taste of a T-8, or Typhoon Signal 8, which means, according to the official Hong Kong Observatory:

Gale or storm force wind is expected or blowing generally in Hong Kong near sea level, with a sustained wind speed of 63-117 km/h (39-72 mph) from the quarter indicated and gusts which may exceed 180 km/h, and the wind condition is expected to persist.

There are five levels of signals: 1, 3, 8, 9 and 10. Once a signal 8 is raised, most offices, businesses and schools close, and public transportation (including ferries) above ground stops running. Of course, the news doesn’t stop happening, so we still have to find a way in to work, or, if you’re stranded on an island, work from home (luckily this time I’m still on the main island so I was able to go in).

Though this one looked like it had potential to be a big one — indeed, it killed at least 20 people earlier this week when it struck the Philippines — it simply swung too far south to really impact much other than some strong winds and a lot of rain. But the rain has already stopped, and the humidity is already back. Weak, I say, Hong Kong. Weak.

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