Typhoon 8

Here is the latest Tropical Cyclone Bulletin issued by the Hong Kong Observatory.

The No. 8 Northwest Gale or Storm Signal is in force.

This means that winds with mean speeds of 63 kilometres per hour or more are expected from the northwest quarter.

At 4 a.m., Severe Tropical Storm Fengshen was centred about 15 kilometres east of Hong Kong Observatory (near 22.3 degrees north 114.4 degrees east) and is forecast to move north or north-northwest at about 14 kilometres per hour crossing the eastern waters of Hong Kong.

Gale force wind is affecting western Hong Kong. Sheltered by terrain, wind speeds are lower in other areas. Winds are expected to become west to southwesterlies later this morning and those places sheltered by terrain will become exposed. The public should beware of the coming change in wind direction.

In the past hour, the maximum sustained winds recorded at Chek Lap Kok and Cheung Chau were 64 and 67 kilometres per hour with maximum gusts 78 and 107 kilometres per hour respectively.

The boat isn't moving around that much at the moment.  It seemed to be worse when Tom & Claire arrived home after 8 last night.  (Claire had a birthday party---a movie at Pacific Place, Prince Caspian, and then dinner at Dan Ryan's---and Tom was very nice and offered to pick her up.  That saved me from having to drive 45 minutes back into the city to collect her.)

Don't know how long the T8 signal will be up.  If it stays up, all school (and my manicure) will be cancelled today.  If the signal is lowered to a "Strong Wind Signal Number 3", Claire will have school but James will not.  That's never a popular call on our boat.

Going back to bed...not sure if I have to get up in 90 minutes to get ready for my day...