Hurricane Tracker / Hong Kong Observatory (HKO)

Hong Kong typhoon tracking guide

Find official typhoon tracks and warning sources for Hong Kong from Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). This source guide links to current agency products; it does not display live local warnings.

Where to check Hong Kong typhoon signals

Open the Hong Kong Observatory current tropical cyclone warning and check the issue time and signal in force. This guide explains where to find the source; it does not display a live local signal.

What do signals 1, 3, 8, 9 and 10 mean?

The Observatory uses numbered tropical cyclone warning signals to communicate the local wind threat. Consult its current signal explanation and precautions; do not infer the local signal from a cyclone category or a forecast track.

Signal number versus storm strength

A typhoon intensity category describes the cyclone, while the local signal concerns the wind threat in Hong Kong. Distance, size and movement can affect local conditions. A storm can cause rain or coastal hazards that require separate products.

Rainstorms, surge and transport

Check the Observatory’s rainstorm and coastal products as well as transport operators and local government notices. Services and localized risks may change independently of a shared track image.

Before sharing a warning

Include the source link and issue time, and open it again before acting. Screenshots and earlier signal forecasts may be outdated; only the current HKO bulletin states the signal in force.

Official references

Primary source · Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) ↗
Reviewed 2026-11-06. Independent guide; follow NHC and local authorities for safety decisions.

Explore the guides

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How to read the hurricane forecast cone

The cone describes uncertainty in the future path of the storm center. It is not a map of every place that may feel impacts.

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Hurricane watch vs warning

A watch means hurricane conditions are possible. A warning means they are expected. Both call for action before tropical-storm-force winds arrive.

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Hurricane categories, explained

The Saffir–Simpson scale rates hurricanes by maximum sustained wind only. It cannot tell you the full risk at a particular place.

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Storm surge vs storm tide

These similar terms describe different water levels. Knowing the difference helps you read coastal flood forecasts.

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Eastern Pacific hurricane season

The official season runs from May 15 through November 30. Storms can occasionally form outside those dates.

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When is hurricane season?

Atlantic and Central Pacific: June 1–November 30. Eastern Pacific: May 15–November 30. Choose the basin before applying a season date.

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How to read hurricane spaghetti models

A spaghetti plot puts several model tracks on one map. The lines describe model guidance for the storm center; they do not define warning areas or local impacts.

Keep exploring

2026 storm trackers and archives

Choose a basin and a named system. This directory covers the topics published on this site; the official agencies keep the complete records.

How to read an NHC hurricane advisory

Start with the public advisory, then read the sections that answer your question. The Simon, Isaias and Rachel examples here come from archived 2026 bulletins. They teach a reading method and do not describe current warning areas.

When will tropical-storm-force winds arrive?

NHC arrival-time graphics concern the onset of sustained tropical-storm-force winds at a location. They answer a different question from when the cyclone’s center will reach the coast. Read the timing alongside wind probability, warnings and local instructions.

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