HKO - Under the Same Sky 130 Years - Display Area 14: Exhibit 1
Display Area 14 : Evolution of Weather Warnings: Progressing with Time
Exhibit 1
China Seas Storm Signal Code, 1906 (French version). Established by the French Jesuits, the Zi-ka-wei Observatory (present-day Xujiahui Observatory) in Shanghai had used flag signals as typhoon warnings for Shanghai and the estuary of Yangtze River since 1884. In 1896, the flag signal method was extended to other ports along China's coast. This system was standardised in 1905 using the China Seas Storm Signal Code on display here. In 1906, the Hong Kong Observatory followed suit to warn ships passing through Hong Kong against typhoons.
Shanghai Meteorological Bureau
