The Hong Kong Observatory's history with weather radar started in 1959 when a Decca 41 weather radar was first installed at Tate's Cairn (大老山), at an altitude of about 580 m above mean sea level
This is the image of Wanda, captured by Decca 41.Responsible for 130 fatalities and 600 injured, Wanda was the second worst typhoon in Hong Kong. The catastrophic typhoon that strike Hong Kong on September 2, 1937 killed 11,000 pepole!
Regular meteorological observations commenced in 1884 – a year after the establishment of the Hong Kong Observatory. Tropical cyclone warning system - the earliest marine meteorological service - was instituted in the same year. This system was replaced by a ten-symbol system in 1917. The numbers were from 1 to 7 with numbers 2 to 5 signifying gale force winds expected from the northwest, southwest, northeast and southeast quadrants respectively.
In 1931, the signals were changed to 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 with signals 5 to 8 signifying gales from the four quadrants.
In 1956, the No. 3 Strong Wind Signal was introduced between the No. 1 Standby Signal and the gale signals. Since 1973, the current system comprising 1, 3, 8 NW, 8 SW, 8 NE, 8 SE, 9 and 10 has been in use.
May 23, 1868, Hong Kong Fire Brigade (香港消防隊) established; 62 men strong, with another 100 Chinese volunteers.
February 13, 1926, Hong Kong Hotel (香港大酒店), 6-storied building opened in 1868; located where the Gloucester Building and the Central Building are situated today; hotel closed after fire.