As the system was originally intended to serve as warnings for mariners, the issuance of signals was based on wind speeds measured around the Victoria Harbour. However, the system has also been adopted for use by the public over the years, and with ongoing urbanization, some have come to question the relevance of the warning system's mechanism in this day and age, citing the following reasons:
The territory enters a complete standstill once Signal No. 8 is issued, and economic losses are incurred due to disruptions to financial activities.
An overwhelming majority of buildings in Hong Kong are now built using concrete, and thus can withstand substantially higher wind speeds.
With many tall skyscrapers acting as barriers, wind speeds are slowed, thus minimising the danger that citizens are exposed to.
The advent of Mass Transit Railway (MTR) has allowed transportation to operate underground, free from weather interferences.
After being released from work due to an impending storm, many officeworkers treat their time off as an opportunity to go out and socialize, as evident by full restaurants and queues outside cinemas, rather than to go home and ride out the storm, exemplifying the trust Hong Kongers have in the