As Hong Kong residents enjoy a recent spell of moderate autumn weather, marked by refreshingly cooler temperatures, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has issued a caution: Tropical Cyclone Fung-wong is forecast to enter the 800-kilometer proximity zone of the city starting tomorrow, November 10. The system, which recently intensified into a super typhoon category near the Philippines, is not expected to strike Hong Kong directly but will influence local weather significantly, bringing stronger winds, minor coastal flooding, and cooler conditions across the region mid-week.
The tropical cyclone, known locally as Uwan in the Philippines, currently centers approximately 310 kilometers east of Manila and is tracking toward Luzon. Early Sunday morning, Fung-wong dramatically intensified, with the Philippine state weather bureau recording maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour and gusts approaching 230 kilometers per hour. This development prompted Philippine authorities to declare the highest alert level across southeastern Luzon. Following the recent devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which claimed over 200 lives in the Philippines, local government units there have preemptively evacuated more than 100,000 residents ahead of Fung-wong’s anticipated Monday morning landfall.
Hong Kong Prepares for Approach
In Hong Kong, the HKO plans to issue the Standby Signal No. 1 sometime after noon tomorrow. The cyclone’s closest approach to Hong Kong is presently forecasted for Wednesday, November 12, when it is expected to track approximately 400 kilometers to the east of the territory.
This trajectory means that local residents can anticipate noticeable wind increases starting late Tuesday and continuing through Wednesday.
Key Weather Impacts for Hong Kong:
- Wind: Winds will strengthen significantly from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday.
- Temperature: The combined influence of Fung-wong and a prevailing northeastern monsoon will result in cooler, windier weather. Urban area temperatures are projected to drop to roughly 20 degrees Celsius around the middle of the week.
- Coastal Flooding: The HKO specifically warns of potential minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas, starting overnight Monday and lasting until the early hours of Tuesday.
The HKO will continuously assess the need to elevate the warning signals on Tuesday, depending upon any changes to the cyclone’s intensity, its precise track, and prevailing local wind conditions.
Looking Ahead
Current forecasts suggest that after its closest approach to Hong Kong on Wednesday, Tropical Cyclone Fung-wong is expected to track toward the vicinity of Taiwan before gradually weakening.
Residents are advised to monitor official weather updates closely, especially those living in coastal areas prone to tidal surges and low-lying coastal flooding. For the most up-to-date and authoritative information, consult the Hong Kong Observatory’s official website. Despite not facing a direct hit, the approaching system serves as a reminder of the heightened risk for tropical cyclones during this season and the importance of prepared emergency measures.
