HK Observatory hopes social media can help it get better at extreme weather warnings

After Typhoon Mangkhut wreaked havoc on the city last year, the observatory collected videos and photos of damage from social media users in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong forecasters are hoping the power of social media will help them become better at warning the public about the onset of typhoons, flash floods, and storm surges.

The Hong Kong Observatory wants local residents to post information including texts, pictures and videos of these events to its app, under a plan to help it send more timely warnings when threatening weather is approaching.