Tropical Storm Kompasu / Julian

... Forecast to make a direct hit on Hong Kong on Friday Evening 16th July 2004

A clump of convection appeared in the Philippine Sea on the 11th, 12th and 13th of July 2004.  On the 13th, the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert.  Later on 13th JTWC issued the first numbered warning on Tropical Depression 12W. The storm was named "Julian" by PAGASA (Philippines) and later named "Kompasu" by JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency).  It affected the southern area of Taiwan and the northern areas of the Philippines as it passed between them into the South China Sea. By evening on 14th July it became apparent that the storm was likely to affect Hong Kong.   Late that night HKO hoisted Signal One.

Typhoon Signal History

Typhoon Signal Number One (Stand By) was hoisted at 22:55 HKT on 14th July 2004.
Typhoon Signal Number Three (Strong Winds) was hoisted at 05:15 HKT on 16th July 2004.
Typhoon Signal Number Eight (NE Gale or Storm Force Winds) was hoisted at 11:45 HKT on 16th July 2004.
Typhoon Signal Number Eight (NW Gale or Storm Force Winds) was hoisted at 14:45 HKT on 16th July 2004.
Typhoon Signal Number Eight (SW Gale or Storm Force Winds) was hoisted at 16:45 HKT on 16th July 2004.
Typhoon Signal Number Three (Strong Winds) was hoisted at 19:20 HKT on 16th July 2004 replacing Signal Eight.
All Typhoon Signals were lowered at 20:20 HKT on 16th July 2004.

Pictures and movies

I took a few movies while out walking in the storm.
13:30 to 14:30 16/7/2004 Quick-Time Movies: Shing Mun River 13 Mb;  City One palms 6 Mb;  Construction site 10 Mb;  Siu Lek Yuen Road 7 Mb (Wind noise is very apparent)
18:30 to 19:30 16/7/2004 Quick-Time Movies: Shing Mun River Revisited 12 Mb;  City One at the crossroads 7 Mb (More traffic noise and pouring rain than wind noise)

This bus stop sign was representative of the many dozens of signs I saw blown down while out walking between 13:30 and 14:30 HKT on 16th July 2004.	I am glad I wasn't here when the palm branch fell.  This is typical of the damage I saw ... very minor indeed.
Construction barriers are down ... probably laid down by the workmen when Signal Eight was announced.  The garbage bag in the foreground had been blown onto the road from about 10 metres away.	At the entrance to nearly every building in Hong Kong, you will see signs like this displayed moments after the Observatory hoists the signal.  This one is at the door of my apartment block.

During my first hour-long walk from 13:30 until 14:30, the wind peaked at a 10-minute mean of 31 km/h at the nearby automatic weather station. This was the highest wind recorded in our valley during the passage of Kompasu.  In the movies, the wind noise is so loud that you frequently cannot hear my commentary. Whole trees were swaying and there was a great deal of leaf-litter and other small garbage on the ground. Several times I found walking difficult and trying to stand still to take the movies was nearly impossible. A few minor branches and a lot of standard signs were down and several times I heard the jangle of garbage cans being blown away.

During my second walk from 18:30 until 19:30, the wind had dropped to hardly more than a good breeze.  In the movies the sound of traffic is heard, but the wind noise was minimal.  Trees were still with only the leaves rustling.  The rain was pouring down making photography more difficult.

E-mail History

From: Dickson Fu To: TCDG
Date: 07/13/2004 12:00 Subject: TCFA on NW Pac
Dear all,
A break from the silent NW Pacific. JTWC has just issued a TCFA for a midget system near 23N 125E at 13/10Z.
I'm puzzling how it forms without the Monsoon Trough/ITCZ. Isn't it triggered by a upper level low?
Cheers, Dickson Fu, Hong Kong

From: Roger Edson To: TCDG
Date: 07/13/2004 12:31 Subject: Re: TCFA on NW Pac
This was clearly of TUTT origin (and distil)...meaning it developed down to the surface a couple of days ago.
Roger
--- Dickson Fu  wrote:
> Dear all,
[snip]
> I'm puzzling how it forms without the Monsoon Trough/ITCZ. Isn't it triggered by a upper level low?
[snip]

From: "Heming, Julian" To: Tropical Cyclone Discussion Group
Date: 07/13/2004 18:38 Subject: Re: TCFA on NW Pac
I have to say, my main concern with this one (now 12W) is whether PAGASA will name it. As far as I am aware, it is my one and only chance to share a name with a TC!!
Julian

From: Jim Leonard To: Typhoon Gang
Date: 07/13/2004 22:00 Subject: NWP is really quiet.
Im sure some have noticed that the NWP has been really quiet in recent weeks even though this time of year is normally the beginning of the active part of the season. We saw a quite active April, May and June so the atmosphere has to take a break sometime. One big reason I see for the stable period we are in now is the negative MJO over the region during the past couple weeks compared to the positive phase during much of the three previous months. This has been a stronger surpressing phase than we have seen in many months in this region. I would expect August to ramp up quite a bit as the next MJO moves over the area.
Jim

From: "David Roth" To: TCDG
Date: 07/13/2004 22:21 Subject: Re: TCFA on NW Pac
We had one of those in the Atlantic just southeast of Bermuda a few days ago. It never formed an eye, but was spurred by an upper low in the Westerlies that moved off the eastern United States. Chances are, it fit a T.D. definition, but it was handled as a "small low."
DR

From: "Gary Padgett" To: "TCDG"
Date: 07/14/2004 02:37 Subject: TD-12W/Julian
PAGASA has named TD-12W Julian.
So now Julian, can your model predict your future behavior? :)

From: "Michael V. Padua" To: TCDG
Date: 07/14/2004 10:33 Subject: Re: TCFA on NW Pac
Hi Julian,
It looks like PAGASA (Julian) and JMA (Kompasu) has already named it. :-D
Regards, Michael =;-) "Thundering Typhoons!!!"

From: "Michael V. Padua" To: TCDG
Date: 07/14/2004 10:45 Subject: JTWC left behind in upgrading...
Hi Guys,
Did you notice something? It looks like JTWC is again left behind by JMA as they upgraded it to TS KOMPASU.
Michael =;-) "Thundering Typhoons!!!"

From: Jack Beven To: TCDG
Date: 07/14/2004 12:34 Subject: Re: TCFA on NW Pac
Dickson Fu wrote:
> Dear all,
> A break from the silent NW Pacific. JTWC has just issued a TCFA for a midget system near 23N 125E at 13/10Z.
> I'm puzzling how it forms without the Monsoon Trough/ITCZ. Isn't it triggered by a upper level low?
Maybe this is the rare WESTPAC development from an easterly wave? :-)
Jack Beven

From: Dickson Fu To: TCDG
Date: 07/14/2004 13:38 Subject: Re: JTWC left behind in upgrading...
Hi Michael and all,
Yes, I do agree with you.
Looking back at the Tingting (11W), I've found that JMA has not only upgraded it earlier, but also given a larger wind radii even for the same current intensity. For example, the JTWC 35-kt wind radii has never reached Guam...I doubt it was an appropriate guess.
Strange.
Cheers, Dickson Fu, Hong Kong

From: "Michael V. Padua" To: "Typhoon Gang"
Date: 07/14/2004 15:09 Subject: Re: JTWC left behind in upgrading...
Hi Dickson and All,
Maybe, JTWC is now using a new measuring wind formula: "20-min. Wind Average" hehe... Just kidding!
Cheers, Michael =;-)  "Thundering Typhoons!!!"

From: "Heming, Julian" To: Tropical Cyclone Discussion Group
Date: 07/14/2004 16:29 Subject: Re: TD-12W/Julian
On Tue, 2004-07-13 at 19:37, Gary Padgett wrote:
> PAGASA has named TD-12W Julian.
> So now Julian, can your model predict your future behavior? :)
I shouldn't think so - I certainly can't predict the model's behaviour sometimes!
The 07Z image of 'Julian' seems to suggest an eye is forming, so maybe both JMA and JTWC are underestimating the intensity with their current
40kt and 35kt values:
http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/htdocs_dyn/thumbnails/tc_thumbs/20040714.0702.goes-9.vis2.x.12WKOMPASU.35kts-997mb-215N-1235E.jpg
(Possibly Typhoon) Julian

From: "Michael V. Padua" To: TCDG
Date: 07/15/2004 07:12 Subject: KOMPASU/JULIAN to visit Phil!!!
Yo Phil,
I'm excited to hear that KOMPASU might visit your backyard!!! Good luck!!!!
Cheers! Michael =;-) "Thundering Typhoons!!!"

From: Dickson Fu To: TCDG
Date: 07/15/2004 09:57 Subject: Re¡G KOMPASU/JULIAN to visit Phil!!!
Hi all,
Julian, welcome to Hong Kong!!
In fact, Phil stays within 5km at the same suburb with me.
It is a beautiful day right in HK. The extremely rare crystal blue sky and the very nice (but not wet and breathable). It is probably one of the best time througout the year.
Please note the forecast track from Hong Kong Observatory (the official governement weather service). To see if the official forecast outperforms the 3rd party source.
http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/currwx/tc_pos.htm
Cheers, Dickson

From: Dickson Fu To: TCDG
Date: 07/16/2004 03:00 Subject: 12W/KOMPASU - Radar Contact
Dear all,
It's likely 12W/Kompasu will make landfall east of Hong Kong. You can obtain the real time radar imagery at the following link. It seems that HKO handle 12W better than JTWC this turn.
http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/radars/radar.htm
Right now, the weather condition is still very calm, and the sky is quite clear that I could able to see star down to mag 3 in the suburb. The aerial coverage/circulation is really small...
Cheers, Dickson, Hong Kong

From: "Phil Smith" To: TCDG
Date: 07/16/2004 13:21 Subject: Re: 12W/KOMPASU - Radar Contact
Hi all,
Typhoon Signal Eight (meaning North East Gale to Storm Force Winds) is now hoisted here.
Walking was difficult outside a few minutes ago while I was coming home from the bus stop.
I have a new digital camera so I am going to put it in a plastic bag, put on some old clothes and leather hat, and get out amongst it to see if I can get any good pictures or movies.
I expect to get drenched to the skin whether I can take photos or not!
In case my e-mail dies, I intend to put up any pictures I might get at http://www.drdisk.com.hk/kompasu.htm if I can still get through ... i.e. if there is power both here and six kilometres South where my server is located in Mong Kok.
Hope to be back in touch soon.
Phil <><

From: "Phil Smith" To: TCDG
Date: 07/16/2004 15:47 Subject: 12W/KOMPASU - Movies and stills
G'day all.
Back inside, a bit wet. For those whose PCs have Quick-Time installed, I have put four brief movies and a still photo taken during my walk around an hour ago. The address is http://www.drdisk.com.hk/kompasu.htm - please don't look at the rest of the page ... it is an embarrassment! I have just been dumping text and stuff there until I have a chance to decide what I keep and what I throw out and sort it all out later.
Phil <><

From: Roger Edson To: Typhoon Gang TCDG
Date: 07/16/2004 18:37 Subject: Waglan Island reports
Hi,
Looks like the excitement for Hong Kong is over.
Of course, Wanglan Island has the best reports (being the best exposed), so here is the data. In the city, winds did not seem to be too exciting.
Roger
[Editor's note: the data he referred to is the Waglan Island graphs from the HKO included below]

From: "Phil Smith" To: TCDG
Date: 07/16/2004 20:11 Subject: Re: 12W/KOMPASU - Movies and stills
Hi all,
added some more movies and stills to the page after a second walk around the district. Compare the two movies of the Shing Mun River taken from
the same vantage point five hours apart.
Also beginning the job of straightening up the rest of the page.
Phil <><

From: "Michael V. Padua" To: TCDG
Date: 07/16/2004 20:46 Subject: Re: 12W/KOMPASU - Movies and stills
Hi Phil,
Nice shots! Have to see the videos later, busy on other matters. Anyway, I added link into your KOMPASU webpage direct on the front page of Typhoon2000.com
Kudos, Michael =;-)  "Thundering Typhoons!!!"

From: Dickson Fu To: TCDG
Date: 07/16/2004 20:51 Subject: Re¡G Waglan Island reports
Hi Roger,
Roger, you are right. I wonder if JTWC keeps on watching this AWS as well. The observation of Wanglan Island is the primary indicator for issuing the local TC warning. The warning decision is largely based on this "golden site". HKO kept the real time observation of this AWS as "secret" until shortly after Mr. C. Y. Lam becomes the Director of HKO about 2 years ago.
BTW, all signals were cancelled at 8:20 PM (1220Z) by HKO.
FYI, here's the information on the local TC warning system. http://www.weather.gov.hk/informtc/tcWsignal.htm
Thanks to 12W/Kompasu, I have a half-day day off.
Cheers, Dickson Fu, Hong Kong

HKO Graphs

The graphs recorded below are all Copyright (c) Hong Kong Observatory

These will be written up later:

Shatin

Shatin is where I live, and I like to record the HKO observations from the local area to help me understand the passage of each storm.. 

24-hour Time Series of 10-minute Mean Wind Direction
This graph shows the progression of the wind direction from NE while the storm approached, to NW while the storm passed by, to SW as the storm hurried away.

24-hour Time Series of Mean Sea Level Pressure
This graph shows the drop in MSLP as the storm approached and its rise again as the storm moved on.  Lowest pressure was 999 hPa at around 15:00.

24-hour Time Series of 10-minute Mean Wind Speed
This graph shows the wind speed.  The first peak occurred towards the end of my first walk out in the storm and the second peak occurred about half an hour before my second walk.  A tropical storm doesn't have an "eye" as such, but rather an area of lower wind and thinner cloud near the centre.  This can be seen reflected in the dip between the two peaks.

24-hour Time Series of Air Temperature ___ and Relative Humidity ___
You can see the sudden rise in humidity together with the sudden drop in temperature as the leading edge of the storm came over between 06:00 and 07:00 this morning, 16th July.   It dropped below 24 deg C while I was filming the second movie of the Shing Mun River, and as my shirt was wet and the wind was blowing, I actually found myself shivering with the cold.

Waglan Island

Waglan Island is a very exposed island at the extreme South East corner of HK territory.  For this storm it was the closest to the storm's passage and recorded the most severe winds.

24-hour Time Series of 10-minute Mean Wind Direction

24-hour Time Series of Mean Sea Level Pressure
Lowest pressure was 996 hPa at around 13:40.

24-hour Time Series of 10-minute Mean Wind Speed
For about 40 minutes Waglan had Storm Force winds of 90 km/h.

24-hour Time Series of Air Temperature ___ and Relative Humidity ___

HKO Announcements

The Bulletins recorded below are all Copyright (c) Hong Kong Observatory.

PRE - NO. 8 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY ANNOUNCES THAT THE TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNAL NUMBER 8 IS EXPECTED TO BE ISSUED AT OR BEFORE 11:45 A.M. TODAY ( 16 JULY 2004 ).  WINDS LOCALLY WILL STRENGTHEN FURTHER.
THE GOVERNMENT ADVISES MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH LONG OR DIFFICULT HOME JOURNEYS OR HAVING TO RETURN TO OUTLYING ISLANDS TO BEGIN THEIR JOURNEYS NOW.  THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW MAKING ARRANGEMENTS TO RELEASE ITS EMPLOYEES ACCORDINGLY.
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BUREAU (EMB) : THE EMB ANNOUNCES THAT CLASSES OF ALL SCHOOLS ARE SUSPENDED TODAY.  SCHOOLS SHOULD IMPLEMENT CONTINGENCY MEASURES TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF STUDENTS.  THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT CONDITIONS ARE SAFE BEFORE ALLOWING STUDENTS TO RETURN HOME.
DISPATCHED BY HONG KONG OBSERVATORY AT 09:45 HKT ON 16.07.2004

TROPICAL CYCLONE BULLETIN
HERE IS THE LATEST TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY.
THE STRONG WIND SIGNAL, NO. 3 IS IN FORCE.
THIS MEANS THAT WINDS WITH MEAN SPEEDS OF 41 TO 62 KILOMETRES PER HOUR ARE EXPECTED.
AT 10 A.M. THE CENTRE OF TROPICAL STORM KOMPASU WAS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 80 KILOMETRES SOUTHEAST OF THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY(NEAR 21.9 DEGREES NORTH 114.8 DEGREES EAST) AND IS FORECAST TO MOVE NORTHWEST OR WEST-NORTHWEST AT ABOUT 20 KILOMETRES PER HOUR TOWARDS THE PEARL RIVER ESTUARY. ON THE PRESENT FORECAST TRACK, KOMPASU WILL BE QUITE CLOSE TO HONG KONG THIS AFTERNOON. THE TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNAL NUMBER 8 IS EXPECTED TO BE ISSUED AT OR BEFORE 11:45 A.M. TODAY.
(PRECAUTIONARY ANNOUNCEMENTS WITH NO. 3 SIGNAL)
(1) YOU ARE ADVISED NOT TO DELAY IN TAKING ALL PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME OR PROPERTY. MAKE SURE NOW THAT ALL LOOSE OBJECTS ARE SECURE. PORCH FURNITURE, FLOWER POTS AND OTHER OBJECTS LIKELY TO BE BLOWN AWAY SHOULD BE TAKEN INDOORS. CHECK AGAIN AND MAKE SURE ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS CAN BE SECURELY LOCKED.
(2) LISTEN TO YOUR RADIO OR WATCH YOUR TV FOR FURTHER WEATHER BROADCASTS.
(3) SINCE SEAS ARE HIGH, YOU ARE ADVISED TO STAY AWAY FROM THE SHORELINE AND NOT TO ENGAGE IN WATER SPORTS.
(4) FOR SAFETY REASONS, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT ALL OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES BE CANCELLED.
(5) ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS AND CONTRACTORS ARE AGAIN REMINDED THAT ALL SCAFFOLDINGS, HOARDINGS AND TEMPORARY BUILDINGS SHOULD BE SECURED.
(6) SMALL CRAFT OWNERS SHOULD NOW COMPLETE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR BOATS.
(7) FISHING VESSELS NOT YET IN TYPHOON SHELTERS SHOULD SEEK SHELTER WITHOUT DELAY. CHECK AGAIN THAT ALL DECK FITTINGS ARE FIRMLY FASTENED. IF AVAILABLE, HEAVY ANCHORS SHOULD BE PREPARED AND USED IN ADDITION TO REGULAR ANCHORS.
DISPATCHED BY HONG KONG OBSERVATORY AT 09:49 HKT ON 16.07.2004

TROPICAL CYCLONE BULLETIN
HERE IS THE LATEST TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY.
THE STRONG WIND SIGNAL, NO. 3 IS IN FORCE. THIS MEANS THAT WINDS WITH MEAN SPEEDS OF 41 TO 62 KILOMETRES PER HOUR ARE EXPECTED.
AT 11 A.M. THE CENTRE OF TROPICAL STORM KOMPASU WAS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 60 KILOMETRES SOUTHEAST OF THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY(NEAR 21.9 DEGREES NORTH 114.6 DEGREES EAST) AND IS FORECAST TO MOVE NORTHWEST OR WEST-NORTHWEST AT ABOUT 20 KILOMETRES PER HOUR TOWARDS THE PEARL RIVER ESTUARY.
DISPATCHED BY HONG KONG OBSERVATORY AT 10:49 HKT ON 16.07.2004

TROPICAL CYCLONE BULLETIN
HERE IS THE LATEST TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY.
THE NO. 8 NORTHEAST 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 NORTHEAST QUARTER.
AT 1 P.M. TROPICAL STORM KOMPASU WAS CENTRED AROUND 50 KILOMETRES SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY (NEAR 21.9 DEGREES NORTH 114.4 DEGREES EAST) AND IS FORECAST TO MOVE WEST-NORTHWEST AT ABOUT 18 KILOMETRES PER HOUR TOWARDS THE PEARL RIVER ESTUARY.
KOMPASU WILL COME VERY CLOSE TO HONG KONG IN THE NEXT FEW HOURS AND THE WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO REACH GALE FORCE.
WINDS ARE NOW GENERALLY FROM THE NORTH, AND MOST PARTS OF THE TERRITORY ARE SHELTERED.  HOWEVER, AS KOMPASU MOVES CLOSER, THE WIND DIRECTION WILL CHANGE.  AREAS PREVIOUSLY SHELTERED WILL BECOME EXPOSED.  THE PUBLIC SHOULD BEWARE OF THE CHANGES IN WIND DIRECTIONS.
STRONG WINDS HAVE BEGUN TO AFFECT THE HARBOUR.  WINDS EVEN REACHING GALE FORCE OVER OFFSHORE WATERS.  DURING THE PAST HOUR, MEAN WINDS AT GREEN ISLAND AND WAGLAN WERE 47 AND 70 KILOMETRES PER HOUR RESPECTIVELY.
(PRECAUTIONARY ANNOUNCEMENTS WITH NO. 8 SIGNAL)
(1) COMPLETE ALL PRECAUTIONS IN YOUR HOME. LOCK ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS, FIT BARS INTO POSITION AND INSERT REINFORCED SHUTTERS AND GATES IF THEY ARE AVAILABLE. ADHESIVE TAPE FIXED TO LARGE WINDOW-PANES IN EXPOSED POSITIONS WILL REDUCE DAMAGE BY BROKEN GLASS. STORM WATER DRAINS SHOULD BE
CLEARED OF LEAVES AND RUBBISH.
(2) DO NOT STAND NEAR WINDOWS ON THE EXPOSED SIDE OF YOUR HOME. MOVE ALL FURNITURE AND VALUABLES AWAY FROM THESE AREAS. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A SAFE PLACE TO SHELTER, SHOULD WINDOWS BE BROKEN.
(3) SINCE SEAS ARE ROUGH, YOU ARE ADVISED TO STAY AWAY FROM THE SHORELINE AND NOT TO ENGAGE IN WATER SPORTS.
(4) OWNERS OF NEON SIGNS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY SHOULD NOW ARRANGE FOR THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO THEIR SIGNS TO BE CUT OFF.
(5) PARK YOUR CAR WHERE IT IS LEAST LIKELY TO BE DAMAGED.
(6) WEATHER INFORMATION IS BEING BROADCAST AT THE 15TH, 30TH, 45TH AND 58TH MINUTE OF EACH HOUR. PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR RADIO OR WATCH YOUR TV FOR THE WEATHER INFORMATION.
DISPATCHED BY HONG KONG OBSERVATORY AT 12:45 HKT ON 16.07.2004

HERE IS THE LATEST TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY.
THE NO. 8 NORTHEAST 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 NORTHEAST QUARTER.
AT 2 P.M. TROPICAL STORM KOMPASU WAS CENTRED AROUND 40 KILOMETRES SOUTHEAST OF THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY(NEAR 22.0 DEGREES NORTH 114.4 DEGREES EAST) AND IS FORECAST TO MOVE WEST-NORTHWEST AT ABOUT 16 KILOMETRES PER HOUR TOWARDS THE PEARL RIVER ESTUARY. KOMPASU WILL COME VERY CLOSE TO HONG KONG IN THE NEXT FEW HOURS AND THE WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO REACH GALE FORCE.
WINDS ARE NOW GENERALLY FROM THE NORTH, AND MOST PARTS OF THE TERRITORY ARE SHELTERED. HOWEVER, AS KOMPASU MOVES CLOSER, THE WIND DIRECTION WILL CHANGE. AREAS PREVIOUSLY SHELTERED WILL BECOME EXPOSED. THE PUBLIC SHOULD BEWARE OF THE CHANGES IN WIND DIRECTIONS. STRONG WINDS HAVE BEGUN TO AFFECT THE HARBOUR. WINDS EVEN REACH GALE FORCE OVER OFFSHORE WATERS. DURING THE PAST HOUR, MEAN WINDS AT GREEN ISLAND AND WAGLAN WERE 54 AND 74 KILOMETRES PER HOUR RESPECTIVELY.
(PRECAUTIONARY ANNOUNCEMENTS WITH NO. 8 SIGNAL)
(1) COMPLETE ALL PRECAUTIONS IN YOUR HOME. LOCK ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS, FIT BARS INTO POSITION AND INSERT REINFORCED SHUTTERS AND GATES IF THEY ARE AVAILABLE. ADHESIVE TAPE FIXED TO LARGE WINDOW-PANES IN EXPOSED POSITIONS WILL REDUCE DAMAGE BY BROKEN GLASS. STORM WATER DRAINS SHOULD BE CLEARED OF LEAVES AND RUBBISH.
(2) DO NOT STAND NEAR WINDOWS ON THE EXPOSED SIDE OF YOUR HOME. MOVE ALL FURNITURE AND VALUABLES AWAY FROM THESE AREAS. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A SAFE PLACE TO SHELTER, SHOULD WINDOWS BE BROKEN.
(3) SINCE SEAS ARE ROUGH, YOU ARE ADVISED TO STAY AWAY FROM THE SHORELINE AND NOT TO ENGAGE IN WATER SPORTS.
(4) WEATHER INFORMATION IS BEING BROADCAST AT THE 15TH, 30TH, 45TH AND 58TH MINUTE OF EACH HOUR. PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR RADIO OR WATCH YOUR TV FOR THE WEATHER INFORMATION.
DISPATCHED BY HONG KONG OBSERVATORY AT 13:46 HKT ON 16.07.2004

TROPICAL CYCLONE BULLETIN
HERE IS THE LATEST TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY.
THE NO. 8 NORTHWEST GALE OR STORM SIGNAL WAS ISSUED AT 2:45 P.M. IT REPLACED THE NO. 8 NORTHEAST GALE OR STORM SIGNAL.
THIS MEANS THAT WINDS WITH MEAN SPEEDS OF 63 KILOMETRES PER HOUR OR MORE ARE EXPECTED FROM THE NORTHWEST QUARTER.
AT 3 P.M. TROPICAL STORM KOMPASU WAS CENTRED AROUND 30 KILOMETRES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY (NEAR 22.2 DEGREES NORTH 114.4 DEGREES EAST) AND IS FORECAST TO MOVE WEST-NORTHWEST AT ABOUT 16 KILOMETRES PER HOUR TOWARDS THE PEARL RIVER ESTUARY. KOMPASU WILL COME VERY CLOSE TO HONG KONG IN THE NEXT FEW HOURS AND THE WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO REACH GALE FORCE. THE WIND DIRECTION OVER HONG KONG IS CHANGING GRADUALLY. AREAS PREVIOUSLY SHELTERED WILL BECOME EXPOSED. THE PUBLIC SHOULD BEWARE OF THE CHANGES IN WIND DIRECTIONS. WINDS REACH GALE FORCE OVER OFFSHORE WATERS AND ON HIGH GROUNDS. DURING THE PAST HOUR, MEAN WINDS AT GREEN ISLAND AND WAGLAN WERE 57 AND 64 KILOMETRES PER HOUR RESPECTIVELY.
(PRECAUTIONARY ANNOUNCEMENTS WITH NO. 8 SIGNAL)
(1) COMPLETE ALL PRECAUTIONS IN YOUR HOME. LOCK ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS, FIT BARS INTO POSITION AND INSERT REINFORCED SHUTTERS AND GATES IF THEY ARE AVAILABLE. ADHESIVE TAPE FIXED TO LARGE WINDOW-PANES IN EXPOSED POSITIONS WILL REDUCE DAMAGE BY BROKEN GLASS. STORM WATER DRAINS SHOULD BE CLEARED OF LEAVES AND RUBBISH.
(2) DO NOT STAND NEAR WINDOWS ON THE EXPOSED SIDE OF YOUR HOME. MOVE ALL FURNITURE AND VALUABLES AWAY FROM THESE AREAS. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A SAFE PLACE TO SHELTER, SHOULD WINDOWS BE BROKEN.
(3) SINCE SEAS ARE ROUGH, YOU ARE ADVISED TO STAY AWAY FROM THE SHORELINE AND NOT TO ENGAGE IN WATER SPORTS.
(4) WEATHER INFORMATION IS BEING BROADCAST AT THE 15TH, 30TH, 45TH AND 58TH MINUTE OF EACH HOUR. PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR RADIO OR WATCH YOUR TV FOR THE WEATHER INFORMATION.
DISPATCHED BY HONG KONG OBSERVATORY AT 14:53 HKT ON 16.07.2004

TROPICAL CYCLONE BULLETIN
HERE IS THE LATEST TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING 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 P.M. TROPICAL STORM KOMPASU WAS CENTRED ABOUT 25 KILOMETRES NORTH-NORTHEAST OF THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY, NEAR PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR (NEAR 22.5 DEGREES NORTH 114.3 DEGREES EAST) AND IS FORECAST TO MOVE NORTHWEST AT ABOUT 16 KILOMETRES PER HOUR ACROSS THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES. KOMPASU HAS MADE LANDFALL OVER THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK. WINDS OVER HONG KONG ARE NORTHWESTERLIES. AREAS PREVIOUSLY SHELTERED WILL BECOME EXPOSED. THE PUBLIC SHOULD BEWARE OF THE CHANGES IN WIND DIRECTIONS. THE HEAVY RAIN ASSOCIATED WITH KOMPASU WILL START TO AFFECT HONG KONG IN THE EVENING. THEREFORE, THE THREAT OF GALE FORCE WINDS REMAIN. THE NO. 8 TROPICAL CYCLONE SIGNAL WILL REMAIN IN FORCE FOR THE NEXT FEW HOURS. WINDS REACH GALE FORCE OVER OFFSHORE WATERS AND ON HIGH GROUNDS. DURING THE PAST HOUR, MEAN WINDS AT GREEN ISLAND AND WAGLAN WERE 53 AND 63 KILOMETRES PER HOUR RESPECTIVELY.
(PRECAUTIONARY ANNOUNCEMENTS WITH NO. 8 SIGNAL)
(1) COMPLETE ALL PRECAUTIONS IN YOUR HOME. LOCK ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS, FIT BARS INTO POSITION AND INSERT REINFORCED SHUTTERS AND GATES IF THEY ARE AVAILABLE. ADHESIVE TAPE FIXED TO LARGE WINDOW-PANES IN EXPOSED POSITIONS WILL REDUCE DAMAGE BY BROKEN GLASS. STORM WATER DRAINS SHOULD BE CLEARED OF LEAVES AND RUBBISH.
(2) DO NOT STAND NEAR WINDOWS ON THE EXPOSED SIDE OF YOUR HOME. MOVE ALL FURNITURE AND VALUABLES AWAY FROM THESE AREAS. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A SAFE PLACE TO SHELTER, SHOULD WINDOWS BE BROKEN.
(3) SINCE SEAS ARE ROUGH, YOU ARE ADVISED TO STAY AWAY FROM THE SHORELINE AND NOT TO ENGAGE IN WATER SPORTS.
(4) WEATHER INFORMATION IS BEING BROADCAST AT THE 15TH, 30TH, 45TH AND 58TH MINUTE OF EACH HOUR. PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR RADIO OR WATCH YOUR TV FOR THE WEATHER INFORMATION.
DISPATCHED BY HONG KONG OBSERVATORY AT 16:00 HKT ON 16.07.2004

TROPICAL CYCLONE BULLETIN
HERE IS THE LATEST TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY.
THE NO. 8 SOUTHWEST GALE OR STORM SIGNAL WAS ISSUED AT 4:45 P.M. IT REPLACED THE NO. 8 NORTHWEST GALE OR STORM SIGNAL.
THIS MEANS THAT WINDS WITH MEAN SPEEDS OF 63 KILOMETRES PER HOUR OR MORE ARE EXPECTED FROM THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER.
AT 5 P.M. TROPICAL STORM KOMPASU WAS CENTRED ABOUT 30 KILOMETRES NORTH OF THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY, IN THE VICINITY OF SHA TAU KOK (NEAR 22.6 DEGREES NORTH 114.2 DEGREES EAST) AND IS FORECAST TO MOVE NORTHWEST AT ABOUT 16 KILOMETRES PER HOUR TOWARDS INLAND GUANGDONG. WINDS OVER HONG KONG HAVE CHANGED TO SOUTHWESTERLIES. AREAS PREVIOUSLY SHELTERED WILL BECOME EXPOSED. THE PUBLIC SHOULD BEWARE OF THE CHANGES IN WIND DIRECTIONS. THE HEAVY RAIN ASSOCIATED WITH KOMPASU IS NOW AFFECTING HONG KONG. THE THREAT OF GALE FORCE WINDS REMAIN. THE NO. 8 TROPICAL CYCLONE SIGNAL WILL REMAIN IN FORCE FOR THE NEXT FEW HOURS. WINDS REACH GALE FORCE OVER OFFSHORE WATERS AND ON HIGH GROUNDS. DURING THE PAST HOUR, MEAN WINDS AT WAGLAN WAS 79 KILOMETRES PER HOUR RESPECTIVELY.
(PRECAUTIONARY ANNOUNCEMENTS WITH NO. 8 SIGNAL)
(1) SINCE SEAS ARE VERY HIGH, YOU ARE ADVISED TO STAY AWAY FROM THE SHORELINE AND NOT TO ENGAGE IN WATER SPORTS.
(2) ALTHOUGH THE TROPICAL CYCLONE IS MOVING AWAY FROM HONG KONG, GALES ARE EXPECTED TO PERSIST FOR SOME TIME. YOU ARE ADVISED TO STAY INDOORS UNTIL WINDS MODERATE AND IT IS SAFE TO GO OUT. ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD YOU TOUCH ELECTRIC CABLES THAT HAVE BEEN BLOWN LOOSE.
(3) AS GALES AND VIOLENT SQUALLS ARE STILL OCCURRING IN PLACES, PRECAUTIONS SHOULD NOT YET BE RELAXED.
(4) WEATHER INFORMATION IS BEING BROADCAST AT THE 15TH, 30TH, 45TH AND 58TH MINUTE OF EACH HOUR. PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR RADIO OR WATCH YOUR TV FOR THE WEATHER INFORMATION.
DISPATCHED BY HONG KONG OBSERVATORY AT 17:08 HKT ON 16.07.2004

Tropical Cyclone Warnings
Bulletin issued at 18:47 HKT 16/Jul/2004
TROPICAL CYCLONE BULLETIN
HERE IS THE LATEST TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY.
THE NO. 8 SOUTHWEST 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 SOUTHWEST QUARTER.
AT 7 P.M. TROPICAL STORM KOMPASU WAS CENTRED ABOUT 55 KILOMETRES NORTH OF THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY (NEAR 22.8 DEGREES NORTH 114.1 DEGREES EAST) AND IS FORECAST TO MOVE NORTHWEST AT ABOUT 16 KILOMETRES PER HOUR TOWARDS INLAND GUANGDONG AND WEAKEN GRADUALLY.
TROPICAL STORM KOMPASU IS DEPARTING HONG KONG. THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY WILL CONSIDER ISSUING THE NO. 3 STRONG WIND SIGNAL TO REPLACE SIGNAL NO. 8 SHORTLY.
IN THE PAST HOUR, MEAN WINDS OF 58 AND 57 KILOMETRES PER HOUR WERE AT WAGLAN ISLAND AND GREEN ISLAND RESPECTIVELY.
(PRECAUTIONARY ANNOUNCEMENTS WITH NO. 8 SIGNAL)
(1) SINCE SEAS ARE VERY HIGH, YOU ARE ADVISED TO STAY AWAY FROM THE SHORELINE AND NOT TO ENGAGE IN WATER SPORTS.
(2) AS GALES AND VIOLENT SQUALLS ARE STILL OCCURRING IN PLACES, PRECAUTIONS SHOULD NOT YET BE RELAXED.
(3) WEATHER INFORMATION IS BEING BROADCAST AT THE 15TH, 30TH, 45TH AND 58TH MINUTE OF EACH HOUR. PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR RADIO OR WATCH YOUR TV FOR THE WEATHER INFORMATION.

Tropical Cyclone Warnings
Bulletin issued at 19:20 HKT 16/Jul/2004
THE NO. 3 STRONG WIND SIGNAL HAS BEEN ISSUED AT 7:20 P.M. TO REPLACE THE NO. 8 SOUTHWEST GALE OR STORM SIGNAL.
TROPICAL CYCLONE BULLETIN HERE IS THE LATEST TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY.
THE STRONG WIND SIGNAL, NO. 3 IS IN FORCE.
THIS MEANS THAT WINDS WITH MEAN SPEEDS OF 41 TO 62 KILOMETRES PER HOUR ARE EXPECTED. KOMPASU HAS WEAKENED INTO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION.
AT 8 P.M. TROPICAL DEPRESSION KOMPASU WAS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 70 KILOMETRES NORTH OF THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY (NEAR 22.9 DEGREES NORTH 114.1 DEGREES EAST) AND IS FORECAST TO MOVE NORTH-NORTHWEST AT ABOUT 16 KILOMETRES PER HOUR TOWARDS INLAND GUANGDONG AND WEAKEN FURTHER.
DISPATCHED BY HONG KONG OBSERVATORY AT 19:48 HKT ON 16.07.2004

Bulletin issued at 20:20 HKT 16/Jul/2004
TROPICAL CYCLONE BULLETIN
HERE IS THE LATEST TROPICAL CYCLONE BULLETIN ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY.
ALL SIGNALS WERE CANCELLED AT 8:20 P.M.
AT 8 P.M. TROPICAL DEPRESSION KOMPASU WAS CENTRED ABOUT 70 KILOMETRES NORTH OF THE HONG KONG OBSERVATORY (NEAR 22.9 DEGREES NORTH 114.1 DEGREES EAST) AND IS FORECAST TO MOVE NORTH-NORTHWEST AT ABOUT 16 KILOMETRES PER HOUR TOWARDS INLAND GUANGDONG AND WEAKEN FURTHER.
WITH KOMPASU HAVING WEAKENED INTO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION AND MOVING FURTHER AWAY FROM HONG KONG, THE STRONG WINDS OVER HONG KONG HAVE SUBSIDED.
HOWEVER, SEAS ARE STILL ROUGH WITH SWELLS. THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO STAY AWAY FROM THE SHORELINE AND NOT TO ENGAGE IN WATER SPORTS.

Links used while studying this storm:

CURRENT HONG KONG TYPHOON SIGNAL IS: HKO , WXHK
All Typhoon Signals were lowered at 20:20 HKT on 16th July 2004.
TROPICAL STORM KOMPASU [JULIAN] (12W) {0409}: Inland Guangdong province: N of Hong Kong:
[JTWC]: Satellite (Vis, IR, MS), Warning, Map, Shipping, Prognostic Reasoning.
[WXHK]: Forum, Animation, Webcam, TC Page, TC Map, Lightning, Forecast.
[HKO]: Signal, Shipping, Track, Rainfall, Text, Warnings.
[PAGASA]: TC Update, SWB, Satellite, Map.
[Typhoon2000]: Details, Animation.
[Hawaii]: Positions, Map, NWP Map.
[Monterey]: (click 12W.KOMPASU)
[FNMOC]: (click 12W.KOMPASU)
[WUG]: Model Map.
[Kochi-U]: Satellite.
[JMA]: Map.
Phil's Kompasu page (still under construction): movies, stills, data.

NOTE: If you know of any links which you think should be added to this page, or if you find that some of the links on this page do not work, or if links now lead to unsuitable content, please email me at phil DOT drdisk AT gmail DOT com to advise me of the details.

This page was last updated on 07/02/08 at 09:15:36 Hong Kong Time.

Hits to this page since 15/07/2004

You are visitor number (total hits to all pages in this web-site) since 24th June 1997.

Copyright © 1996 - 2008 Phil Smith, all rights reserved. All contents in this web site are provided as is without warranty of any kind. Phil Smith expressly disclaims any liability from the use of any information in this web site.

Note: for sections of some of the pages within this site attributed to [HKO]: the links and materials provided therein are supplied by the Hong Kong Observatory and the following Notice is applicable to those sections: Copyright Notice:   All weather information shown here, including but not limited to all text, graphics, drawings, diagrams, photographs and compilation of data or other materials are provided by the Hong Kong Observatory. Any reproduction, adaptation, distribution, dissemination or making available of such copyright works to the public is strictly prohibited unless prior written authorization is obtained from the Hong Kong Observatory.

Note that the e-mail address for Phil Smith (also known as "Doctor Disk") has been changed to phil DOT drdisk AT gmail DOT com with effect from 18th March 2006.  To use this e-mail address, in your e-mail program's "To" field, type out the words in blue replacing " AT " with "@" and replacing " DOT " with "." so that there are no spaces.  Sorry for the inconvenience, but my junk mail had passed 1,000 items per day.