Hong Kong is prone to tropical cyclones or typhoons from August to mid- September, so if you are there when a large typhoon comes ashore expect things to come to a complete standstill in this vibrant city. A typhoon is a violent tropical cyclone, a massive whirlpool of air currents that forms over water. Once a cyclone or typhoon hits land it will usually die out rather quickly. On average approximately 30 tropical cyclones form in the western Pacific Ocean and South China Sea each year, with about half of those reaching typhoon strength (winds of 118 kilometres per hour or more).

That is not to say that you can go out, it will depend on the warnings provided by the Hong Kong Observatory. Warnings vary according to the strength of the typhoon and how close it is to the territory.

Typhoons are rated 1-8, 8 being the most severe. To give an idea, a typhoon with a number two warning will have winds up to 62km and people should take precautions from such things as such as items blowing off balconies.

The one to take note is when a typhoon number 8 takes place, that means it is a direct hit on the territory and people are advised to stay indoors as accidents can occur due to objects and structures falling apart from the strong winds. Businesses will close and ferries will stop operating.

News and warnings of any serious typhoons approaching HongKong will be broadcast continuously on TV and radio. For more information you may contact Hong Kong's typhoon hotline at 852-2835 1473 or visit www.weather.org.hk or www.hko.gov.hk