XN000022-1972-11-07 — Page 7

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Tuesday, November 7, 1972

At Tate's Cairn, where there is a radar station capable of

supplying information on the movement of typhoons and associated rain

bands, the installation of a more efficient generator will reduce the

risk of a break-down in communications with the Central Forecasting Office.

At present, this information is relayed to the Observatory

headquarters by means of micro-wave radio with the help of a small radio

transmitter.

"Because of its exposed position, the power lines at Tate's Cairn

are particularly vulnerable to damage by lightning and high winds during

heavy rainstorms and typhoons, when the information the station supplies is

particularly valuable for the preparation of thunderstorm warnings and

forecasts," the spokesman added.

At the King's Park Meteorological Station, where no generating

facilities exist, the installation of an emergency generator will ensure

that data from satellites orbiting the earth can be received under

all kinds of weather conditions.

The spokesman pointed out that at present, the King's Park

station is the only one operated by the Observatory in Hong Kong which

is capable of picking up signals from the satellites and at which upper

air soundings are made.

"

"The installation of these generators will guarantee a continuous

flow of weather information from both local and regional sources, the

spokesman said.

The generators are expected to be ready for use before the onset

of the next typhoon season.

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