IT
HONG KONG STORM SIGNAL CODES
Storm Warnings are issued by the Royal Observatory, Hong Kong, by means of Local and Non-Local Storm Signal Codes. The Local Code is as follows:-
Signal. Symbol.
DAY SIGNALS.
Meaning.
1.-Red T-A typhoon exists which may possibly cause a gale at Hong Kong within 24 hours. 2.-Black cone.-
Gale expected from the North (Ñ.W. to N.E.)
3.- Black cone inverted.- 4,-Black drum,-
5.-Black ball.
29
"
South (S.E. to S.W.)
"
"
East (N.E. to S.E.)
"
"
West (N.W. to S.W.)
6.-Double cone.-Gale expected to increase.
دو
7.-Black cross.-Wind of typhoon force expected (any direction).
Signal No. 7 is accompanied by three explosive bombs fired, at intervals of 10 seconds, at the Water Police Station and repeated at the Harbour Office.
1
The signals are lowered when it is considered that all danger is over.
The Day Signals are displayed at the following places;-
Royal Observatory. Gough Hill.
Harbour Office. H M.S. Tamar. Green Island. H'kong. & K'loon. Wharf & Godown Co., Kowloon. Standard Oil Co., Lai-chi-kok.
Field Officer's Quarters, Lyemun. NIGHT SIGNALS. (LAMPS.)
Green
Green
White White 4 Green 52 White White
White
Green
White
White White 2 Green 3 White The Night Signals are displayed, at sunset, at the following places:
Green
Green 62 Green Green
(Red
72 Green
Red
Royal Observatory. Harbour Office. Railway Station. H.M.S. Tamar. Gough Hill.
Field Officer's Quarters, Lyemun.
They have the same signification as the day signals.
Signal No. 7 is accompanied by explosive bombs as above, in the event of the information conveyed by this signal being first published at night.
A translation of both Day and Night Signals is displayed at the General Post Office and at the Upper Tram Station.
SUPPLEMENTARY WARNINGS.
When Local Signals are displayed in the Harbour, signals will be displayed as follows:-
When No. 1 Signal is displayed in the Harbour.
Red T by day.
2 Red Lights vertically by night.
When Nos. 2 to No. 7 Signals are displayed in the Harbour.
Black Cone by day.
2 Green Lights vertically by night.
These Signals will be displayed at the following Stations:- Aberdeen Cheung Chow
Gap Rock
Ping Shan Stanley Saikung
Shataukok Taipo Tsun Wan
Tai O
Waglan
Further details can always be given to ocean vessels, on demand, by signal from lighthouses, or by wireless telegraphy.
The object of the code is to give at least 24 hours' warning of a gale (Force 8 by Beaufort Scale, or 40-45 m.p.h., mean velocity by Dines Anemometer) and also warnings of expected changes in the direction and force of the wind. Owing, however, to the uncertain movements of typhoons, and to insufficient telegraphic observations, it will occasionally happen that signals 2 to 5 may be displayed without a gale occurring at Hong Kong, or even at Gap Rock, but the reverse is not likely to happen, except in the case of typhoons forming in the vicinity and travelling rapidly towards Hong Kong, or should the direction of motion of a typhoon alter, or its rate of progression increase, abnormally.
Signal No. 1 is intended as a warning to "Stand By" and watch for the next signal. When it is hoisted after a black signal has been displayed it will mean that, on account of a change in the track of the typhoon, or for some other reason, a gale is no longer expected from the direction indicated by the last signal, and that another black signal may possibly be hoisted later.
NON-LOCAL SIGNALS.
The Non-Local, or "China Seas" Code of Storm Signals gives the latitude and longitude of the storm centre, its direction of motion, and a signal indicating the degree of accuracy with. which it is believed the position of the centre has been located. A signal giving the time at which the warning was issued is hoisted at the mast-head.
Copies of the code may be obtained on application to the Observatory.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.