His remarks came amid criticism by members of the public over what they described as inaccurate and inconsiderate forecast for Severe Tropical Storm Ma-on.

The HKO announced at 6am yesterday that it would consider lowering the No. 8 Signal between 9am and 11am. After the T3 signal was hoisted at 9.20am, the Observatory reported at 11am that there would be showers and squalls in the coming one or two hours under the influence of the outer rainbands of Ma-on.

Criticisms flooded the Observatory’s social media page after the announcement was made. Some criticized that citizens were made to return to work or get back to school when heavy rain was still present.

Some said the wide range of forecasts unsettled them, making them constantly check the news. Others commented that, had the Observatory given a firm hour ahead of time, employers and employees would have much more time to prepare.

Speaking on a radio program this morning, Chan said the Observatory should issue lower typhoon signals once the wind speed decreases. He also noted that estimating wind speed is a difficult task.

He said the Observatory had announced in advance early in the morning the lowering of the typhoon signal between 9am to 11am in a view to bringing convenience to members of the public.

He also defended that the rain is not a factor contributing to the issuance of the typhoon signals, and that the Observatory will not take into consideration the opening of the stock market for their forecasts.