SPECIAL WEATHER ARRANGEMENT

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Adverse Weather – Guidance for Attendees Typhoon, Rainstorm Warnings & Extreme Conditions

Typhoons

Typhoons may form and affect Hong Kong from May to November. Tropical cyclone advisory bulletins or warnings are issued by the Hong Kong Observatory when a tropical cyclone moves within 800km of Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Observatory uses numbers 1, 3, 8, 9 and 10 to signify the strength of a tropical cyclone in the vicinity of Hong Kong.

SIGNAL NO. 1: A tropical cyclone is centred within 800km of Hong Kong and may later possibly affect the territory.
SIGNAL NO. 3: Strong wind is expected or blowing generally in Hong Kong near sea level, and the wind condition is expected to persist. Winds are normally expected to become generally strong in Hong Kong within 12 hours after this signal is issued.
SIGNAL NO. 8 AND ABOVE: Gale or storm force wind is expected or blowing in Hong Kong near sea level, which may increase in strength and the conditions are expected to persist. Winds are normally expected to reach gale force generally in Hong Kong within 12 hours after a No. 8 signal replaces No. 3 signal.

Rainstorms and Extreme Conditions

The rainy season in Hong Kong is normally between April and September. Rain can be particularly heavy and persistent during May and June, causing traffic disruption and occasionally major floods and landslips.

The rainstorm warning system is designed to alert the public about the occurrence of heavy rain which is likely to bring about major disruptions, and to ensure a state of readiness within the essential services to deal with emergencies.

There are three levels of warning: AMBER, RED and BLACK.

The AMBER signal gives alert about potential heavy rain that may develop into RED or BLACK signal situations. There will be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. Key government departments and major transport and utility operators are put on alert.
The RED and BLACK signals warn of heavy rain which is likely to bring about serious road flooding and traffic congestion. They will trigger response actions by government departments and major transport and utility operators.

Latest tropical cyclone/rainstorm warnings and related announcements are broadcast on radio and TV and posted on the Hong Kong Observatory website (www.hko.gov.hk). MyObservatory mobile app and Dial-a-Weather system (Hong Kong Tel: 1878200).

In the case where a Super Typhoon or other natural disasters caused by adverse weather, such as large-scale power outage, extensive fallen windows from high-rises leading to dangerous streetscape, major landslides, extensive flooding, widespread serious obstruction of public transport services, etc the Government will review and decide whether it is necessary to make a territory-wide “extreme conditions” announcement.

Extreme weather may cause immediate risk, we recognise a duty of care in coordinating an appropriate level of response, initiating pre-planned actions and reducing potential impact.

Regular communications will be issued to facilitate necessary actions in the days prior and during any occurrence via the fair website, social media, onsite briefings and venue announcements.

TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. 8 (OR ABOVE)
Pre-Typhoon Signal No. 8 or Typhoon Signal No. 8 (or above)	Issued by 0800hrs	The show WILL NOT OPEN as scheduled.
Typhoon Signal No. 8 (or above)	Lowered before 1400hrs	The show will OPEN 2 HOURS AFTER lowered.	EXHIBITORS may be allowed to enter venue halls ONE HOUR AFTER the signal is lowered. Assess unsafe conditions and inform organiser. Stands should be manned by reopening.
Typhoon Signal No. 8 (or above)	Remains issued after 1400hrs	The show REMAINS CLOSED for day.
Pre-Typhoon Signal No. 8	Issued during show hours	The show will CLOSE WITHIN 2 HOURS.	Public announcements will be made when information issued by the Hong Kong Observatory. Attendees must evacuate, if it is safe, and as soon as reasonably practicable
Typhoon Signal No. 8 (or above)	Issued during show hours	The show will CLOSE IMMEDIATELY

BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING / EXTREME CONDITIONS ANNOUNCEMENT
Issued by 0800hrs	The show WILL NOT OPEN as scheduled.
Cancelled before 1400hrs	The show will OPEN 2 HOURS AFTER cancelled	EXHIBITORS may be allowed to enter venue halls ONE HOUR AFTER the warning is cancelled. Assess any unsafe conditions and inform organiser. Stands should be manned by reopening.
Warning remains after 1400hrs	The show REMAINS CLOSED for day
During show hours	The show REMAINS OPEN	Attendees will be advised to take shelter within the venue for their own safety.

MOVE IN / MOVE OUT
Pre-Typhoon Signal No. 8	Organiser will assess conditions and work with business partners and customers to prepare for the move-in and move-out.
Typhoon Signal No. 8 (or above) / Black Rainstorm Warning / Extreme Conditions Announcement	No lifting activities above 25 knots/hr wind speed. Secure onsite assets. Evacuate or seek shelter in venue, as per official guidance.

SPECIAL WEATHER ARRANGEMENT