Observatory launches Tai Po Kau wind information service (with photo)
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     To further enhance the regional weather information service, the Hong Kong Observatory will provide real-time wind information from the Tai Po Kau wind station through the Observatory's website and dial-a-weather service starting from today (March 27).

     The Tai Po Kau wind station is located at a pier by the seaside of Tolo Harbour near the Tai Po town areas. There are many outdoor recreational hot spots and tourist attractions nearby, including the Tolo Harbour cycling track, Tai Po Kau Nature Trail, Pak Shek Kok promenade and Tai Po Waterfront Park. The station is also close to the Tolo Highway, which is a major trunk road connecting Tai Po and Sha Tin. The wind information from Tai Po Kau will enable the public and tourists to better appreciate the latest weather conditions in the area.

     The Acting Senior Scientific Officer of the Observatory, Mr Tam Kwong-hung, said, "The setting up of a wind station at Tai Po Kau will facilitate the monitoring of the wind changes over Tai Po and the Tolo Highway. The public can obtain the relevant weather information through the Observatory's website and smartphone application for planning various outdoor or water sports activities."

     Marine Officer of the Marine Department, Mr Lau Wing-kin, welcomed the Observatory's initiative in providing real-time wind information at Tai Po Kau. "The wind speed and wind direction data provide significant references for government vessels undertaking patrol duties and marine rescue operations in Tolo Harbour. In addition, people taking part in water sports can make use of these data for enhancing safety measures," he said.

     Members of the public can readily access the relevant wind information from the Observatory's "Regional Weather" webpage at www.hko.gov.hk/wxinfo/ts/index_wind_e.htm, the mobile platform webpage at m.weather.gov.hk/wxreport/region.htm, or by calling the Observatory's dial-a-weather service at 187 8200. The real-time wind information from the Tai Po Kau wind station is also available on the "Regional Weather" page from "MyObservatory", a smartphone application developed by the Observatory.

Ends/Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Issued at HKT 12:39

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