635350-1897-Weather-forecasts-and-Storm-Warnings — Page 1

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THE HONGKONG GO ERNMENT GAZETTE, 27т¤ FEBRUARY, 1897.

GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.--No. 74.

The following is published.

By Command,

Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 27th February, 1897.

J. II. STEWART LOCKHART,

Colonial Secretary.

WEATHER-FORECASTS AND STORM-WARNINGS ISSUED FROM THE HONGKONG OBSERVATORY.

WEATHER-FORECASTS AND STORM-WARNINGS.

The China Coast Meteorological Register, containing weather-forecasts and storm-warnings, based on telegraphic information, is printed at the Observatory and exhibited about noon (Sundays and Government holidays excepted) on notice-boards placed at the Eastern Extension, Australasia and China Telegraph Company's Office, at Peddar's Wharf, at the Harbour Office, at the Office of the Kowloon Godown Co. etc. Copies may be obtained at the Harbour Office.

Weather-forecasts and storm-warnings, for the use of the public ashore and afloat, are issued at 11 a., and also at other hours, whenever necessary, especially during the typhoon season.

Masters of vessels receive on application at the Observatory a copy of observations telegraphed from other ports too late for press.

STORM-SIGNALS.

Storm-siguals are hoisted on the mast beside the time-ball at Kowloon Point. They are similar to those hoisted in the British Isles by order of the Meteorological Office, London.

NORTHERLY GALES.

A Cone point upwards means that strong winds are probable from the Northward or Eastward.

SOUTHERLY Gales.

A Cone point downwards means that strong winds are probable from the Southward or Westward.

These signals are considered justified if followed, at any place within 50 miles of where they are hoisted, by winds of force 6 or upwards to force 12 within 48 hours, and too late if it blows a gale of force 9 before they are hoisted.

VERY HEAVY GALES.

A Drum may be hoisted with the cone at times when the weather-forecaster believes that a strong gale, which may possibly reach typhoon force from the direction indicated by the cone, is approaching, and a gun, placed at the foot of the mast, is fired, whenever the drum is hoisted.

It is considered

The use of the drum is at present suspended in the British Isles, and no gun is fired there. justified if followed, at any place within 50 miles of where it is hoisted, by a gale of force 8 and upwards to force 12 within 48 hours, and too late if it blows a gale of force 9 before it is hoisted.

NIGHT SIGNALS.

At dusk whenever a signal ought to be flying, if it were daylight, a night signal will be hoisted in place of the cone, consisting of three lanterns shewing white or any colour but all alike, hung on a triangular frame, point upwards or downwards as the case may be. No lanterns are hoisted to represent the drum.

In every case when it is thought that immediate danger is over, the signal is at once lowered.

Hongkong Observatory, 6th February, 1897.

W. DOBERCK, Director.