Typhoon Taozhi丨Review of the most popular typhoon in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong is on the southern coast of China and faces typhoons regularly.
- It caused storm surges that raised water levels to 5 meters at Tolo Harbor and 3.96 meters in Victoria Harbour.
- York caused damage to about 100 windows in the Wan Chai Taxation Building, but no sensitive documents were lost.
Hong Kong’s Worst Typhoons
Hong Kong is on the southern coast of China and faces typhoons regularly. Here, we highlight some of the worst typhoons that hit Hong Kong.
Typhoon Wendai (1962)
Table of Contents
Wendai struck Hong Kong on September 1, 1962. It caused storm surges that raised water levels to 5 meters at Tolo Harbor and 3.96 meters in Victoria Harbour. The storm displaced 72,000 residents, killed 130 people, and left 53 missing. Wendai holds records for the highest wind speeds in Hong Kong, reaching 133 km/h over one minute and maximum gusts of 259 km/h. It also recorded the lowest sea level pressure of 953.2 hectopascals.
Typhoon York (1999)
In 1999, Typhoon York moved slowly in the South China Sea. It stalled multiple times and strengthened into a typhoon. The observatory issued a hurricane signal No. 10 that lasted for 11 hours, the longest for Hong Kong. York caused damage to about 100 windows in the Wan Chai Taxation Building, but no sensitive documents were lost.
Typhoon Lion Rock (2021)
Lion Rock raised the No. 8 Southeast Gale or Storm Signal for 22 hours, the longest duration on record. It was located 500 kilometers southwest of Hong Kong when it was closest. This typhoon set the record for the longest activation of Typhoon Signal No. 8.
Typhoon Mangkhut (2018)
Mangkhut made landfall in Hong Kong in 2018 and was one of the most powerful typhoons since 1983. It caused severe damage, with strong winds and huge waves breaking windows and flooding areas like Heng Fa Chuen. When Typhoon Signal No. 10 was issued, it was the farthest from Hong Kong when merging with another storm, Vicente. Water levels in Victoria Harbour rose by 2.35 meters, surpassing previous records.
Typhoon Sam (1999)
Typhoon Sam brought 616.5 millimeters of rainfall, making it the wettest tropical cyclone recorded in Hong Kong. During this storm, a China Airlines flight from Bangkok flipped on landing, resulting in 3 fatalities and 50 injuries.
Typhoon Owen (1986)
Typhoon Owen is known for its complex trajectory, with multiple turns and changes in strength. It became one of the most challenging typhoons for Hong Kong, leading to the issuance of numerous storm signals.
Typhoon Bingu (1906)
The 1906 Typhoon Bingu was the deadliest, claiming over 15,000 lives when Hong Kong’s population was about 300,000. The lack of advance warnings contributed heavily to the high death toll.
Conclusion
Hong Kong’s typhoons have caused significant damage and loss over the years. Historical records highlight the dangers of these storms and emphasize the need for preparation and awareness in the face of such natural disasters.