The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is at the forefront of disaster risk reduction with the development of the INTACT: Intelligent Tropical-storm-resilient System for Coastal Cities. This innovative project, led by Professor Ni Yiqing from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, member of Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI), is transforming how cities like Hong Kong assess and respond to the growing threat of extreme weather events.
A New Era of Urban Wind Risk Assessment
In recent years, Hong Kong has faced unprecedented challenges from super typhoons such as Mangkhut (2018), Wipha, and Ragasa, with the Hong Kong Observatory issuing the highest-level Typhoon Signal No. 10 twice in a single year for the first time in over half a century. These events have highlighted the limitations of traditional wind risk assessment methods, particularly in densely built urban environments where wind flows between high-rise buildings can become highly complex and unpredictable.
The INTACT addresses this gap by providing a “precision health check” for the city. Unlike conventional typhoon warnings that focus on the size and path of the storm, INTACT leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to create dynamic “wind maps” of Hong Kong. These maps predict not only the intensity of typhoons but also the actual wind flows at different building heights and locations, identifying areas and structures at greatest risk.
Advanced Monitoring and Real-Time Data Collection
To achieve this, the research team has deployed Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) instruments at six strategic locations across Hong Kong. These devices continuously monitor wind speed, direction, and temperature, with real-time data shared with the Hong Kong Observatory to enhance weather and typhoon alerts.
Building Hong Kong’s Meteorological AI Model
By integrating data from LiDAR, the Hong Kong Observatory’s 40-year historical records, and advanced AI-driven modelling, the INTACT project is constructing a high-resolution “Hong Kong Meteorological Large Model.” This model enables real-time forecasting of wind risk for the entire city, supporting the development of a city-wide typhoon risk warning system.
Pilot Projects and Future Vision
In the coming years, the team plans to pilot the system along the Victoria Harbour waterfront and in the Northern Metropolis, providing early risk warnings for selected buildings and gradually expanding to broader applications. The vision is to implement a “graded warning, zonal notification” system: within 24 hours of an approaching typhoon, dynamic risk maps will be generated and disseminated to the public via the Observatory and mobile platforms. Building owners and managers in high-risk zones will receive tailored recommendations, such as reinforcing specific windows or facades.
A Safer, Smarter Future for Hong Kong
Professor Ni Yiqing and his team envision a future where cities are equipped with intelligent systems that not only predict the path of typhoons but also provide actionable insights to protect lives and property. The INTACT represents a significant step towards a safer, more resilient Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area.
