What this guide covers
- Cyclone, rainstorm and local flood warnings address different risks; check them together.
- Confirm school closure and employer arrangements separately rather than inferring both from one signal.
- Prepare contacts, essential medication and backup power before warnings escalate.
Know where to check weather and travel updates
Before bad weather arrives, decide which sources you will check. The Hong Kong Observatory website and MyObservatory provide current warnings, district rainfall and forecasts; also follow relevant government, Education Bureau and Transport Department notices. Cyclone signals and information about rainstorms, thunderstorms, flooding and landslips serve different purposes. One warning does not replace the others. A district may already be dangerous without the highest territory-wide warning, and a screenshot in a group chat may be old. Check its time and the official original before acting.
- Save home, school and work districts as frequent locations.
- Practise finding warnings and traffic news before storm season rather than during a disruption.
Agree the family plan before the weather turns
Agree the family arrangements while the weather is still calm: who collects children, contacts the school, helps older relatives and checks the home? Write down a safe waiting place if transport stops and a backup contact if someone cannot be reached. A school closure does not mean children should travel home alone; follow the current Education Bureau and school instructions. Ask your employer in advance about attending, leaving, returning and working remotely. Shift and essential-service workers should clarify transport and safety measures rather than assuming every workplace follows the same arrangements.
- Update school, family and employer numbers and add a backup contact elsewhere.
- Teach children to seek help from school or a trusted adult if parents cannot be reached.
- Ensure addresses and emergency numbers remain readable without a charged phone.
Prepare the home before conditions worsen
Check windows, drainage and loose objects before warnings escalate. Pay attention to balconies, windowsills and roofs, but leave dangerous heights or locations to suitable people rather than climbing into danger yourself. Keep drinking water, simple food, lighting, batteries, chargers and necessary medicines for the people and care needs in your home. If flooding could affect the property, put important papers and electrical equipment somewhere safe and ask management about the building's emergency arrangements.
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Medicines and health information | Maintain care if transport is interrupted |
| Lighting and backup power | Communicate and move safely during an outage |
| Identification and emergency details | Leave promptly if temporary relocation is necessary |
| Water and food | Reduce the need to go out in hazardous conditions |
Avoid dangerous places during wind and rain
During strong wind and rain, follow Observatory guidance and stay somewhere safe. Do not head to waterfronts, shores or places exposed to large waves to watch or take photographs. Avoid entering flooded roads, streams or drains; depth and current may be difficult to judge. Keep away from slopes and areas at risk of landslips too. A temporary lull outside does not mean the danger is over, as a change in wind direction may bring strong winds again. Continue checking official information before going out.
Give a clear location when calling for help
For immediate danger to life, fire or another emergency, call 999. Give the full address, floor and unit, what has happened, how many people are affected and a callback number, then follow the operator's instructions. Routine billing, equipment and weather questions belong with the relevant organisation. If evacuation is needed, follow government, building management and rescue instructions to a safe place. Do not return to danger to collect belongings.
- Do not touch fallen wires, damaged electrical installations or suspect gas equipment.
- 18222 provides anti-scam consultation. Actual victims should report as directed by police; emergencies still require 999.
Check your surroundings after warnings end
When a warning is lowered or cancelled, check transport, school and employer notices again before leaving. Fallen trees, broken glass, floodwater or damaged slopes may still be present; a lower signal does not make damaged roads or equipment safe. At home, check for problems with food, water and electricity. Photograph damage for the relevant organisation or insurer, and verify anyone engaged to carry out repairs. Afterwards, review which supplies ran short and which messages were missed so the family is better prepared next time.
Frequently asked questions
Do Signal No. 8 or black rain mean every employee is off work?
No universal assumption applies. Confirm government, school and employer arrangements and the relevant Code, with safety first.
Is a district safe without a black rainstorm warning?
Not necessarily. Local flooding or landslip risk may already exist. Check district information and actual surroundings.
Does 18222 replace reporting a crime or calling 999?
18222 provides anti-scam consultation. Report actual fraud according to police instructions and call 999 for emergencies.
Official sources and further reading
This guide draws on the sources below, last checked on 2026-11-13. Before acting, recheck the relevant authority’s current eligibility, fees and annual arrangements.
Hong Kong ObservatoryTropical cyclone warnings and safety precautionsChecked 2026-11-13 · Open official sourceHong Kong ObservatoryThunderstorm, rainstorm, flood and landslip warningsChecked 2026-11-13 · Open official sourceTransport DepartmentSpecial traffic newsChecked 2026-11-13 · Open official sourceHong Kong Police Force Anti-Deception Coordination CentreAnti-Scam Helpline 18222 and getting helpChecked 2026-11-13 · Open official sourceLabour DepartmentCode of Practice in times of adverse weather and extreme conditionsChecked 2026-11-13 · Open official sourceCheck whether each item is an official requirement, case-specific evidence or an editorial suggestion. Other people’s experiences may help, but decisions on your case remain with Immigration or the relevant authority.
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