That was a Typhoon?

Two weeks ago I woke up to hear that Typhoon Nesat was in full force. It was a Signal No. 8 storm which meant that the city basically shut down. Work was cancelled, stores were closed, and transportation came to a halt. Of course this happened on the first day of Rosh Hashanah when I was preparing dinner for 10 people. Thankfully, I had done all of my grocery shopping the day before.

(Precautionary Announcements with No. 8 Signal)

1. Complete all precautions in your home. Lock all windows and doors, fit bars into position and insert reinforced shutters and gates if they are available. Adhesive tape fixed to large window-panes in exposed positions will reduce damage by broken glass. Storm water drains should be cleared of leaves and rubbish. Are there leaves in Hong Kong?

2. Do not stand near windows on the exposed side of your home. Move all furniture and valuables away from these areas. Make sure you have a safe place to shelter, should windows be broken. We have windows in every room including the two bathrooms. Everyone has always made fun of me for having a king size bed. You never know when a level 8 typhoon might hit and you need something to hide under!

3. Since seas are very rough, you are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports. I didn't have to worry about this one. I don't go near the sea when it's not rough and I definitely don't engage in water spots.

5. Park your car where it is least likely to be damaged. We don't have a car here since everyone drives on the wrong side of the road.

6. Please listen to radio or watch TV for the latest weather information broadcast at the 15th, 30th, 45th and 58th minute of each hour. The radio channels are only in Cantonese and our US television doesn't work here. We never bothered buying one here since there are only a few channels were could understand anyway! Thank goodness for the internet!

I must say I was quite disappointed for my first big storm out here. The hurricane that hit NJ when I was visiting in August was a much bigger deal. I guess I should be thankful that I wasn't "blown away" by the storm...or lack thereof.