The storm last week brought thrilling moments to Hong Kong – first the tropical storm Mina sweeping past the northeastern part of the city, followed by the formidable typhoon Haikui looming closely, making the entire city hold its breath. Every time heavy rain and strong winds hit, this city that never sleeps has to slow down, with the pace of life suddenly dictated by the weather. Curious about how your life and travel plans changed? Let’s take a look at the true impacts the storm has had on us.
As the storm approached Guangdong’s coast, Hong Kong’s weather worsened day by day. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds caused the city to feel like it was being ‘water-washed.’ Streets became less crowded, and crowds sought temporary refuge around subway stations. On Wednesday, a heavy rain warning was issued, with some areas recording over 30mm of rain per hour, leading to street flooding and making commutes a challenge. School buses and public transport were disrupted, some schools canceled classes, and parents found their work arrangements became a mess.
With the bad weather, traffic became the biggest victim. Some roads in the New Territories were temporarily closed, leading to delays in public transport. Taxis were hard to find, buses were unable to operate, and entrances to tunnels were flooded – these were experiences many faced during the storm. Drivers had to contend with strong winds and lightning while on the road, creating an atmosphere of unease. Some flights were canceled or delayed due to weather conditions, exacerbating congestion in the urban area, making people choose to work from home.
The storm also affected everyday issues. Clothes on the terrace never dried, deliveries were delayed, supermarkets faced shortages on fresh produce, and food delivery services showed ‘temporarily unavailable’ – all became part of the new normal for residents during rainstorms. Parents and children were forced to ‘battle it out’ at home doing online classes while pets could only find solace indoors. Even night markets, open-air markets, and outdoor activities were all canceled. Have you found yourself stuck at home gaming or binge-watching during the storm?
How did you cope with the rainy day? Everyone has unique ways to deal with extreme weather. Some stocked up on groceries in advance, others held ‘storm parties’ with soup gatherings, while some enjoyed a nice break at home. Do you have any interesting stories, worries, or successfully resolved crises during storm days? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let us know your life stories during the storm!
Join the conversation – comment below your most unforgettable ‘rainy day’ experience or share your exclusive ‘storm survival tips’! With another typhoon approaching next week, remember to prepare and protect Hong Kong together!
