As Hong Kong issues an amber rainstorm signal and braces for potential Typhoon Signal No. 8 this Sunday, former Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory Leung Wing Mo is urging the public to rely solely on official information from the Hong Kong Observatory during extreme weather events.
In an exclusive interview, Leung emphasized that the public should not speculate or rely on unofficial forecasts. "We should only listen to one voice — the Hong Kong Observatory," he said. Leung explained that even as a veteran meteorologist, he refrains from making forecast comments post-retirement to avoid contradicting official advice and potentially confusing the public.
The warning comes as Tropical Cyclone Wipha approaches the region. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the amber rainstorm signal at 11:15am on Friday, warning of heavy downpours and flooding risks, particularly in Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan, where hourly rainfall exceeded 100mm and 70mm respectively.
The Observatory also noted that strong winds and outer rainbands associated with Wipha will affect the city from Saturday through Monday, with No. 1 Signal expected by Friday evening or early Saturday. It may upgrade to No. 3 on Saturday, and is assessing the need to issue Signal No. 8 on Sunday.
"Members of the public should stay on high alert," the Observatory warned, advising people to avoid watercourses and for drivers to prepare for serious road flooding and traffic congestion.
As Hong Kong prepares for the storm, Leung's message is clear: trust science, follow official updates, and stay safe.
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