'Milktea' and 'Tsing-ma' could be the Typhoon names in the future

The names of a popular drink and the landmark bridge in the city could be used as future Typhoon names that come with Hong Kong characteristics, as the Observatory announced the winners of the "Tropical Cyclone Name Collection Activity" on Wednesday. 

A total of 40 names have been shortlisted from the suggestions collected from the public, with 20 being voted to be incorporated into the reserve list of tropical cyclone names of Hong Kong.

"Milktea" received the highest number of votes at 15,750, followed by "Tsing-ma" with 15,127 votes. "Fo-lung" (the Chinese name of the "fire dragon" that dances at the Mid-Autumn festival traditional event) was voted to be the third at 14,810.

The list also included "Dim-sum," "Siu-lung" (the stage name of the deceased martial arts superstar Bruce Lee), "Neon" (the colorful "neon" signboards were once a major feature of Hong Kong's night scene), "Hoi-wai" (name of the deceased killer whale in Ocean Park), "Pui-pui" (name of the saltwater crocodile living in the Wetland Park) and "Junk-boat" (important early transportation that signified the development of the fishing industry), etc.

All the 20 tropical cyclone names are listed on the event's webpage.

The Typhoon Committee has adopted a list of tropical cyclone names with local characteristics nominated by 14 members – including ten names provided by Hong Kong – to designate tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea since 2000.

When a tropical cyclone, that incurs heavy casualties and economic losses, is requested to be retired by the Committee, the member will propose replacement names to the Committee for consideration.

The "Tropical Cyclone Name Collection Activity" aims to expand the reserve list of tropical cyclone names with Hong Kong characteristics while raising public awareness of hazards caused by tropical storms.