TROPICAL CYCLONES IN 2013

TABLE 4.1 is a list of tropical cyclones in 2013 in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea (i.e. the area bounded by the Equator, 45°N, 100°E and 180°). The dates cited are the residence times of each tropical cyclone within the above-mentioned region and as such might not cover the full life-span. This limitation applies to all other elements in the table.

TABLE 4.2 gives the number of tropical cyclone warnings for shipping issued by the Hong Kong Observatory in 2013, the durations of these warnings and the times of issue of the first and last warnings for all tropical cyclones in Hong Kong's area of responsibility (i.e. the area bounded by 10°N, 30°N, 105°E and 125°E).  Times are given in hours and minutes in UTC.

TABLE 4.3 presents a summary of the occasions/durations of the issuing of tropical cyclone warning signals in 2013.  The sequence of the signals displayed and the number of tropical cyclone warning bulletins issued for each tropical cyclone are also given.  Times are given in hours and minutes in Hong Kong Time.

TABLE 4.4 presents a summary of the occasions/durations of the issuing of tropical cyclone warning signals from 1956 to 2013 inclusive.

TABLE 4.5 gives the annual number of tropical cyclones in Hong Kong's area of responsibility between 1956 and 2013 and also the annual number of tropical cyclones necessitated the issuing of tropical cyclone warning signals in Hong Kong.

TABLE 4.6 shows the maximum, mean and minimum durations of the tropical cyclone warning signals issued during the period 1956-2013.

TABLE 4.7 is a summary of meteorological information for each tropical cyclone affecting Hong Kong in 2013, including the position, time and the estimated minimum central pressure of each tropical cyclone during its closest approach to Hong Kong, the maximum winds at King’s Park, Hong Kong International Airport and Waglan Island, the minimum mean sea-level pressure recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory and the maximum storm surge (the excess, in metres, of the actual water level over that predicted in the Tide Tables) recorded at various tide stations in Hong Kong.

TABLE 4.8.1 tabulates the amount of rainfall associated with each tropical cyclone that came within 600 km of Hong Kong in 2013.

TABLE 4.8.2 highlights the 10 wettest tropical cyclones in Hong Kong for the period 1884-1939 and 1947-2013.

TABLE 4.9 provides some meteorological information for those typhoons requiring the issuing of the Hurricane Signal No. 10 in Hong Kong since 1946.  The information presented includes the distances and bearings of nearest approach, the minimum mean sea-level pressures recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory and the maximum 60-minute mean winds and maximum gust peak speeds recorded at some stations in Hong Kong.

TABLE 4.10 contains damage caused by tropical cyclones in 2013.The information is based on reports from various government departments, public utility companies and local newspapers.

TABLE 4.11 presents casualties and damage caused by tropical cyclones in Hong Kong: 1960-2013.  The information is based on reports from various government departments, public utility companies and local newspapers.