Explainer | Super Typhoon Yagi: the dos and don’ts for residents when big storms hit Hong Kong

The Post answers questions about seeking out big waves, stocking up on food and getting to work when typhoons hit.

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A surfer at Shek O ahead of a typhoon last year. When extreme weather warnings are up, steer clear of beaches. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 10:00am, 5 Sep 2024Updated: 12:06pm, 5 Sep 2024

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Hong Kong issued the No 3 typhoon signal on Wednesday evening as Yagi edged closer to the city, with the weather forecaster saying it will issue the No 8 warning at 6.20pm.

Here, the Post answers key questions that residents might have about best practices when a typhoon strikes.

1. Where are the good spots for chasing waves?

There are no good spots for chasing waves during a weather warning. As a typhoon approaches, the allure of wild winds and towering waves may tempt some to venture out, but the thrill comes with serious consequences.

Not only do you risk your own safety, but authorities are cracking down on such reckless behaviour. Anyone who enters a public beach closed during extreme weather faces a HK$2,000 fine and up to 14 days in jail.

Authorities also earlier warned that risk-takers endanger the lives of emergency service personnel deployed to rescue them.

They pledged to step up enforcement and prosecution to prevent residents from seeking out big waves or windy spots during severe weather.

Explainer | Super Typhoon Yagi: the dos and don’ts for residents when big storms hit Hong Kong

The Post answers questions about seeking out big waves, stocking up on food and getting to work when typhoons hit.

1. Where are the good spots for chasing waves?

2. Is it necessary to stock up my fridge?