Standstill

Well, that storm skirted right by us, without too much effect. The number 3 signal was raised briefly. But then, the storm stopped, thought for a bit and decided to come back at us for a second try!

Just over a year ago, a large storm hit Hong Kong, but the Observatory didn't raise the number 8 signal because the wind where they are wasn't strong enough. However, in other parts of Hong Kong the wind was very strong, and a lot of unexpected chaos ensued. This year they're taking no chances. They raised the number 8 signal around 3 p.m. We were allowed to leave work before that, as soon as the Observatory announced that they were planning to raise the signal.

So, here I am at home at 3.17 on a Friday afternoon! Here in Central it's not even raining much, let alone stormy ... but we shall see. Getting home wasn't too difficult - the MTR was just starting to fill up a bit. I'm just sorry for those people who live on the outlying islands. They're showing the big queues on TV at the moment.

It's amazing the way a that all the complex workings of a huge financial centre like this can basically come to a halt because of the weather.