Tropical Cyclone

As a general rule, when the Hong Kong Observatory advises that a Typhoon Warning Signal No. 8 (or above) is expected to be issued soon, University offices will be closed and classes will be cancelled.

Hoisting of Typhoon Warning Signal No. 8 (or above) before the Start of Working Hours

Staff are not required to return to work if the Typhoon Warning Signal No. 8 (or above) is issued before the start of working hours.

Hoisting of Typhoon Warning Signal No. 8 during a Working Day

When the University is advised by the Hong Kong Observatory during a working day that a Typhoon Warning Signal No. 8 is expected to be issued soon, an announcement will be made either over the public address system (PA system) by SCC or through Inter-Departmental Liaison Persons (IDLPs), advising staff who do not have specific typhoon duties to return home. Members of staff who choose to continue working do so at their own risk and are urged to exercise due care.

Please refer to the section at the end of this circular for details of the Staff Bus and Shuttle Bus arrangements.

Information will be provided via the P/A system and/or e-mail network on staff and shuttle bus departure times, public transportation arrangements / outside traffic conditions (if information is available) and other arrangements. Members of staff should check their e-mails for updated information and special arrangements.

Before leaving, members of staff must securely close all the windows in their working areas. When members of staff notice potentially dangerous situations, such as the presence of loose objects, they should report them to the SCC.

Lowering of Typhoon Warning Signal No. 8 or Cancellation of "Extreme Conditions" During a Working Day

Staff should report for duty as soon as the Typhoon Warning Signal No. 8 or "Extreme Conditions" is cancelled, and weather and transport conditions permit.  The University's top priority is staff safety.  Staff having genuine difficulties in returning to office should explain to their supervisor immediately and seek approval for alternative work arrangements.

As a general rule, if the warning is cancelled at or after 12 noon on weekdays (OR at or after 8 am on Saturdays for those who are required to work on Saturday morning; OR at or after 12 noon for those who are required to work whole day on Saturdays), Department Heads have the discretion to arrange staff to work from home subject to meeting operational requirements.  Staff who are on shift duties should report to work two hours after the above warning is cancelled.  For faculty with teaching duty, please follow Arrangement of Class / Exam undear weather warning signals Bad weather arrangement - In Case of Typhoon or Rainstorm (Class)/HKUST - Academic Registry.