At a glance
- Typhoon signal numbers and rainstorm warning colors are separate alerts. For typhoons, check Signals 1, 3, 8, 9, and 10; for rainstorms, check amber, red, and black warnings separately. Conditions may differ across islands and coastal areas even if it’s barely raining or the wind seems calm outside your hotel. Check the Observatory’s current warnings and forecast for the possibility of an upgrade, and also check notices from any transport providers or facilities you’ve booked.
- For Typhoon Signal No. 3, the Observatory advises avoiding coastal areas and water activities. If Signal No. 8 is expected, finish sightseeing in outlying areas and first check how to return safely. Avoid staying outdoors under Signal No. 8; under Signals No. 9 or 10, stay where you are if you’re indoors in a safe, protected place. Don’t stand close to windows to take photos or go outside just because the wind briefly eases.
- With an amber rainstorm warning, be alert to flooding risks; with a red warning, weigh the need to travel and road conditions more carefully. Under a black warning, official guidance is to take shelter indoors in a safe place and stay there until the rain passes. Don’t cross a flooded road just because you have a museum ticket. In bad weather, the alternative may be to wait in a safe building you’re already in, rather than visit another attraction.
Day by day
Suggested itinerary
See each day's route, highlights, background and stay together in one place.
Check Observatory warnings → make sure your current location is safe → check transport notices → replan after warnings are lifted
Actions by warning level and when travel can resume
MTR service may be adjusted to limited operation under Signal No. 8. Under Signal No. 9 or higher, MTR says it will immediately suspend outdoor rail sections, Light Rail, and MTR bus services. Limited operation on underground sections does not mean the above-ground exit at your destination is safe. Check current notices from bus, ferry, and cable car operators separately. Don’t keep an out-of-area plan on the assumption you’ll be able to get a taxi in strong winds.
Even after a warning is lowered, facilities don’t reopen at the same time as train and bus services resume. Don’t assume everything will return to normal in 2–3 hours; make a new plan after checking actual reopening notices. For flights, check the airline’s departure status, the airport, and transport to the airport. Contact the original booking channel about cancellations or schedule changes. Keep cancellation policies, insurance contacts, and extra accommodation funds handy, but don’t assume you’re eligible for a refund based solely on the warning name.
How to fit it in
If warnings may be upgraded, avoid traveling far and stay in a safe indoor place near your accommodation.
Reality check
Depending on the warning level, stop ferry, cable car, and outdoor travel, and stay in your current safe building.
After warnings are lifted, check transport and facility reopening notices, then recalculate travel times. Don’t assume everything will be back to normal after a fixed number of hours.
Prioritize a reserve for staying somewhere safe over cancellation fees, extra accommodation, or taxis.
Don’t force travel under a black rainstorm warning or a high typhoon signal; follow official safety guidance.
If plans change
Cancel plans outside your area and stay indoors near your accommodation.
Stop at the nearest safe indoor place.
Small tip
Even after a warning is lowered, track and road inspections can delay service recovery, so allow plenty of extra travel time.
Final check before departure
- Save Observatory, MTR, and airline alerts
- Keep accommodation extension details and insurance contact information ready
- Set cancellation criteria for each out-of-area plan
Actions and transport operations for each warning can change immediately depending on actual conditions. Follow official local-time updates only.
Information checked: 2026-10-03