Friday, June 2, 1972
It is not possible to predict the future path or intensity of tropical
syclones with certainty. Although the errors of 24 hour-forecast positions in
recent years have been on average less than 100 miles, it is nevertheless still
possible for a tropical cyclone occasionally to move in an unexpected direction
or at a different speed or to intensify or weaken more rapidly than forecast,
The public should therefore listen to weather broadcasts to keep abreast
of developments and should not relax precautions until all signals are lowered.
The following information has been agreed with the authorities concerned
and is issued for guidance:-
(1) The harbour ferry services stop when the state of sea
tide or wind makes operations unsafe, this usually happens a few hours after hoisting Signal No. 5 or above, but exceptionally, if the piers become exposed to sea and wind, ferry services may cease even while Signal No. 3 is hoisted. Announcements indicating the probable time when services will stop will be nade over radio, Rediffusion and television channels,
(2) The cross-harbour tunnel will be closed to traffic
while the Increasing Gale or Storm Signal, No. 9,
or the Hurricane Signal, No. 10 is displayed. This restriction will be removed when the tunnel is finally : completed in September this year,
(3) On the hoisting of Signal No. 5 or above Government and some other major employers may permit staff not required for duty to return home. Those at home are not required to report for duty unless specifically required. Staff are expected to return to normal working schedules as soon as the tropical cyclone has passed and public transport services have resumed.
·
(4) On the hoisting of Signal No. 5 or above all schools
should close. In the absence of special broadcast instructions to the contrary, schools function normally until a tropical cyclone warning signal higher "than No. 3 is hoisted. If schools are in session when the No. 1 or No. 3 signal is hoisted then, depending on conditions, the Director of Education may make a public "announcement advising the immediate closure of schools.
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