The Hong Kong Observatory downgraded the typhoon signal to No. 3 this morning (Aug. 25) as tropical cyclone Ma-on moves away from the city.
But the sudden announcement that the No. 8 warning had been taken down drew a public backlash as it meant that workers would have to scramble to get to work.
This comes after the tropical cyclone made a whirlwind visit to Hong Kong, with the city’s meteorological agency hoisting the lowest standby signal, No. 1 at 9:10pm on Tuesday, the strong wind signal, No. 3 at 12:40pm on Wednesday and the No. 8 northeast gale or storm signal at 7:25pm on Wednesday.
Today, the forecaster lowered the typhoon warning to No. 3 at 9:20am.
This meant that winds with mean speeds of 41 to 62 kilometers per hour were expected.
“At 11am, severe tropical storm Ma-on was estimated to be about 290 kilometers west-southwest of Hong Kong and is forecast to move west or west-northwest at about 28 kilometers per hour toward the coast of western Guangdong,” the observatory said on its website in the morning.
It added that with Ma-on moving away from Hong Kong, the prevailing local winds would gradually weaken.
“Depending on the degree of weakening of local winds, the observatory will consider issuing the standby signal, No.1, or cancelling all tropical cyclone warning signals,” the forecaster said.
It added that there would still be occasional gale force winds offshore and on high ground over the southwestern part of the territory at first.
“Seas will be rough with swells. Members of the public are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports,” it said.
At 11:30am, the observatory said that an outer rainband associated with Ma-on would move across Hong Kong in the next couple of hours, and bring showers and squalls.
It urged members of the public to remain on the alert.
The Education Bureau announced that classes at kindergartens, schools for children with physical disability and intellectual disability, and AM and whole-day schools will remain suspended today.
But classes at PM primary and secondary schools and classes at evening schools will resume today.
Those who have to work also started making their way to their offices shortly after the announcement of the No. 3 signal.
The Labour Department reminded employers to “make practical and reasonable work arrangements” for staff after the No. 8 warning was taken down.
“For staff who have practical difficulties in resuming work on time upon the cancellation of a tropical cyclone or rainstorm warning, employers should give due consideration to the situations of individual employees and handle each case flexibly. For example, employers may permit employees who have difficulties in returning to workplaces to work from home or allow more time for them to report for duty and resume work,” a spokesman for the department said.
However, the sudden announcement of the lowering of the typhoon signal still drew flak from employees who had to scramble to work.
Employers in Hong Kong generally require employees to get to work two hours after the No. 8 signal is downgraded.
“Actually, in the past [the Hong Kong Observatory] will give a heads-up when it forecasts it will lower the signal to No. 3. It’s so special this time round. Before 9am, it said it would issue [the No. 3 signal sometime] between 9am and 11am. Then at 9am, it said it would issue the signal soon, but at 9:20am, the No. 3 signal was suddenly hoisted,” a user commented on the observatory’s Facebook page.
“Why can’t you follow how you did things previously and give an actual time [that you will issue the No. 3 signal] earlier? This gives employees more time to get prepared,” said the netizen.
Some internet users were also unhappy that their “typhoon holiday” was cut short, especially with heavy rain still occurring across the city.
“It’s raining so heavily. How do we get to work! Everyone’s going out and the [public transport] is packed. It’s crazy,” said another netizen.
“Are you rushing [to lower the typhoon signal] for the stock exchange to open,” asked another internet user.
One netizen posted a photo of what appears to be the situation at Kowloon Tong MTR station this morning.
A Facebook page, which shares the happenings of life in Cheung Chau, showed a photo of a long queue of residents believed to be lining up to board the first ferry to depart from the outlying island to the urban area for work.
According to the Hospital Authority, as of 7:30am today, one person has been injured during the typhoon period and received medical treatment at the accident and emergency department of a public hospital.
As of 9am today, the 1823 Government Call Centre has received four reports of fallen trees, while the Drainage Services Department has confirmed one flooding case.
