How to Survive a Typhoon in Hong Kong: 10 Tips

Every Hongkonger knows that the sound of the Observatory issuing a T8 or T10 signal is like an unexpected public holiday wrapped in chaos. Suddenly, the city grinds to a halt, bubble tea shops close (tragic), and your group chats fill up with typhoon memes. After Typhoon Ragasa in 2025, we have some tips for you. 

But how do you actually survive a typhoon with your dignity and furniture intact? Here are 10 science-backed, slightly cheeky tips to ride out the storm.

1. Lock the Windows (and Double-Check the Sliding Ones)

Hong Kong’s high-rises + strong winds = indoor swimming pool if you’re careless. Physics tells us air pressure differences can suck rainwater through the tiniest gaps. So close everything, and for heaven’s sake, don’t stick your head out to “check the weather.”

2. Tape is Not Magic

Sorry to ruin the movie trope, but crisscross tape on windows doesn’t prevent breakage. Studies show it only creates bigger, sharper shards if the glass does shatter. Better solution: keep curtains closed, so if glass breaks, you’ve got an extra barrier.

3. Secure Your Balcony Like It’s the Titanic

Chairs, plant pots, and drying racks transform into missiles faster than you can say “Lan Kwai Fong.” Aerodynamics 101: lighter objects + wind = flying debris. Bring them in, or you’ll be apologising to your downstairs neighbour for their new “free” IKEA chair.

4. Stockpile Snacks (Scientific Reason: Stress Eating is Real)

Stress triggers cortisol, which makes you crave salty, fatty foods. So yes, chips and instant noodles are survival food. Just balance with some fruit, otherwise scurvy will get you before the typhoon does.

5. Charge Everything

When power cuts strike, your phone is your torch, news source, and boredom cure. Research shows people’s anxiety spikes when cut off from information. Translation: without Netflix or WhatsApp, you’ll lose your mind faster than the Wi-Fi cuts out. Charge up!

6. Don’t Shower During the Storm

Weird but true: lightning can travel through pipes. While rare, electrocution via shower during thunderstorms has been documented. So maybe skip the shampoo until the Observatory says the coast is clear.

7. Know the Typhoon Signals

T1 is “meh,” T3 is “umbrella massacre,” T8 is “city shuts down,” T10 is “brace yourself.” Meteorology research shows preparedness reduces accidents, so don’t ignore the Observatory like you ignore your WhatsApp family group.

8. Keep Your Pets Calm

Animals sense storms and may panic. Science says their heightened hearing picks up low-frequency rumbles we can’t. Close the curtains, play some music, and comfort them. Bonus: cuddling a cat lowers human stress hormones too. Win-win.

9. Respect Flooding 

Flash floods happen fast in low-lying areas. Hydrodynamics tells us just 15cm of fast-moving water can knock you down. Translation: don’t be that viral video of someone wading in knee-deep Des Voeux Road water for Instagram clout.

10. Treat it Like a Forced Staycation

Studies show reframing stressful events reduces anxiety. Instead of sulking, light a candle (but not too close to the curtains), binge a drama, or finally fold that laundry pile. Think of it as a staycation—minus room service, plus gale force winds.

Surviving a typhoon in Hong Kong isn’t about heroics—it’s about preparation, a bit of science, and a sense of humour. After all, we live in one of the most typhoon-ready cities on Earth. So stay safe, stay indoors, and may your Wi-Fi signal stay strong.