Signal 8 Typhoon (2011-11-20)
We avoided Typhoon Roke that hit Tokyo on Sep 21 when we were in Sydney, but faced Typhoon Nesat on Sep 29 in Hong Kong.
Signal 8 was hoisted before dawn and it immediately turned a
bustling city into a dead town. All schools, banks, government
agencies, and almost all shops were closed. Most public transport
except the MTR was also closed.
Strangely the downpour I had anticipated didn't happen, in fact,
rain fell just intermittently. However the wind was strong,
blowing trash and things all over the streets. (but still didn't feel
any stronger than the gusty wind we have in Tokyo every Spring)
Last time I experienced Signal 8 typhoon was when I was in high
school in Hong Kong. I would be glued to the TV watching the news
update and praying that they would hoist the signal to 8 from 3.
And when they did, I would be ecstatic and rejoiced! No school
for the day, major score! And if a test was scheduled for that
day, it would be even better.
Typhoon Nesat didn't stay long, Signal 8 dropped back to 3 just
after 4 pm and by the time we finished dinner around 7:30, most shops
were reopened. That's how efficient Hong Kong is.
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