Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Understand Hong Kong's storm warning system: T1 for big storms, T3 for dangerous conditions, T8 for shutdowns, and T10 as the highest level for extreme danger. (3:17)
- Tip 2Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, and comfort items like snacks and drinks when preparing for a major storm. (3:42)
- Tip 3Be prepared to eat food dry if electricity and gas are unavailable during a storm, or have options that require minimal preparation. (4:15)
- Tip 4Secure your living space by taping windows to prevent shattering and reduce vibration, especially in high-rise buildings during strong winds. (6:11)
- Tip 5Use a sound machine or a long playlist of ambient noise to help drown out the terrifying sounds of a typhoon and reduce anxiety. (7:37)
- Tip 6Observe how engineering works in extreme conditions; construction cranes might be unlocked to swing freely, which is a safety measure. (8:48)
- Tip 7Appreciate the efficiency of city infrastructure and cleanup crews; Hong Kong's rapid recovery after the typhoon was remarkable. (9:25)
Ashley and Nigel of Our Roaming Empire bravely weathered Super Typhoon Ragasa from their Hong Kong high-rise. They recount the escalating storm warnings, their preparedness with supplies, and the unsettling experience of their apartment swaying. Despite moments of fear, they found solace in sound machines and the resilience of Hong Kong's infrastructure, emerging stronger from this extreme weather encounter.
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This video chronicles the intense experience of Ashley and Nigel, known as Our Roaming Empire, as they navigated Super Typhoon Ragasa in Hong Kong. Initially arriving in the Fragrant Harbor, they quickly realized the storm was far more significant than anticipated. Drawing on their Louisiana hurricane experience, they prepared for the worst, stocking up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, and, crucially, beer. Their accommodation, a high-rise apartment in Wan Chai, offered a unique perspective on the storm's fury. Despite the building's advanced engineering designed to withstand such forces, the couple described unsettling swaying and rattling, particularly from the light fixtures. To cope with the psychological impact, they utilized a sound machine playlist, which helped them tune out the storm's roar and vibrations, allowing them to rest. They recounted the surreal experience of seeing a construction crane unlocked and swinging freely in the wind, a sight that initially bewildered them but was later understood as a safety measure. The storm reached its peak intensity with T10 warnings, leading to widespread closures and a sense of vulnerability, even prompting their Airbnb host to check in on their well-being. Despite the frightening moments and emotional toll, they never lost electricity or water. The resilience of Hong Kong's infrastructure and its efficient cleanup efforts were particularly impressive to them. The morning after the typhoon, the city was remarkably functional, with debris already cleared. Ashley and Nigel expressed gratitude for their safety and the support they received, ultimately emerging from the ordeal feeling stronger and more appreciative of their experience in Hong Kong.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the storm warning system like in Hong Kong?
- A: They explained T1 for big storms, T3 for dangerous conditions, T8 for everything shutting down, and T10 as the highest, do not go outside level.
- Q: What kind of food did you stock up on for the typhoon?
- A: We got water, Japanese minestrone, pork can, beef jerky, dried fruit, various chips, and noodles. And of course, beers!
- Q: What was the most surprising thing you saw during the typhoon?
- A: We saw a construction crane that was unlocked and just swinging in the wind. We later learned this is a safety measure for extreme winds.
- Q: How did you cope with the noise and shaking of the typhoon?
- A: We used a sound machine on our phones with a 10-hour playlist. It helped us not hear the wind or feel the shaking as much.
- Q: What was the most impressive aspect of Hong Kong after the typhoon?
- A: The city's infrastructure and cleanup efforts were incredible. The next day, the city looked surprisingly normal, with debris already cleared and organized.
