Search the Community

A colleague's blog post two months ago about a blizzard blanketing Singapore had me imagining our urban landscapes covered in a white blanket. But while climate change is impacting us all with hotter weather and heavier rains, the thought of snow in Singapore seems far-fetched. However, this led to another thought: Since we experience thunderstorms and monsoon surges, would it be possible for typhoons to hit Singapore? And if they did, would we be able to withstand them? Image: Carl Kho, Unsplash First, a science lesson The Coriolis Effect, caused by the earth's rotation, is positive in the northern hemisphere and negative in the southern hemisphere. What this means is that the winds in the north will curve and move counterclockwise, while the winds in the south curve and move clockwise. Meanwhile, along the equator, the Coriolis Effect is too weak to provide the necessary spin to increase wind speeds and create typhoons. According to this article from the California Institute of Technology, this is why typhoons don't form within 300km of the equator – where Singapore is located. This video also explains why this is so. But there can be exceptions due to a combination of factors. In 2001, Typhoon Vamei formed 160km north of the equator and according to this Straits Times story, delivered 10% (around 220mm) of Singapore's annual rainfall in one day. With that in mind, what if, due to a combination of factors, a typhoon did make landfall in Singapore? Infrastructure and preparedness Given the focus on climate change, I'd imagine that NEA (National Environment Agency) would be quick to issue warnings for everyone to shelter indoors. All the works (including ongoing ones) to improve drainage would also help mitigate any expected flooding. It helps that our utilities – especially power lines – are underground. So, there are no concerns about electric poles toppling and electrocuting people. We don't have telephone poles and overhead lines either, so we wouldn't need to worry about those. Traffic lights and lamp posts, however, will pose risks. Ditto for any hanging signages, trees and branches. Anything that can be caught by the wind and blown away is a potential hazard. However, while I think our infrastructure can cope, I'm not as confident that everyone can. Image: Richard Burlton, Unsplash Question marks Since most of us have only ever experienced monsoon surges and severe thunderstorms, the destructive power of a full-blown typhoon is going to be fearsome. What I'm pessimistic about is how people will react. I can picture massive panic-buying of everything, especially toilet paper. Expect empty shelves in supermarkets. Fights will break out. It will be kiasu and kiasi to the 10th power, as the panicked ones hoard six to eight months of supplies for a typhoon that passes in two or three days. Pharmacies would be emptied out, too. You don't need the entire population to do this – a few hundred irrational folks will ruin it for everyone else. The Government will have to take pre-emptive actions to prevent this from happening. Then there are those who will endanger themselves (and others) by insisting on filming and documenting the typhoon as it makes landfall. These people will probably track the typhoon's path and aim to be where the winds are strongest, so they can capture the havoc it will wreak. And it won't be for posterity. It'll be for views and subscribers. And our first responders will be put at even greater risk trying to save these people. Hey, if it happens in other countries, it'll happen here. Image: Carl Kho, Unsplash When not if It is unlikely for a typhoon to pass directly through Singapore, but if Typhoon Vamei came so close, it could happen. We shouldn't wait till then to mentally prepare ourselves for this possibility – no matter how remote it may be. At the very least, we should remind ourselves that in any extreme weather event, the first course of action is to shelter at home and not venture outside unless it's an emergency that requires us to leave our residence. Remember, even during the COVID circuit breakers, we still had access to food, groceries, and petrol. If we can survive four months being cooped up at home, waiting for two or three days for a typhoon to pass is nothing. Above all, events like these are a test of national unity. If we adopt the mindset of looking out for each other and thinking about what's best for the community, we'll be able to withstand not just typhoons, but any national challenges that come our way. – Jeremy Main image: NASA, Unsplash

Anyone using the hurricane high performance stainless steel standard panel air filter? Feedbacks?

Ferrari has auctioned off the first US-spec Ferrari F12berlinetta, with the proceedings going to the the American Red Cross in aid of the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Sandy developed from a tropical wave in the western Caribbean Sea on October 22. It quickly strengthened and was upgraded to tropical storm six hours later. In the US, Hurricane Sandy affected 24 states with New York City badly flooded on 29 October. Power was also cut around the city. The event took place at the inaugural 2012 Formula One Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Ferrari started bidding of the supercar at US$315,888 (S$386,173). The bidding ended at US$1.125 (S$1.375) million with the top bidder by the name of Larry Roth who hails from Long Island. Donors donated an additional US$345,000 bringing the total funds raised to almost US$1.5 (S$1.83) million. Larry will receive the delivery of Ferrari's most powerful road-going car in Q2 of 2013. Powered by a 6.3-litre V12 naturally-aspirated engine, the F12berlinetta sprints from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.1 seconds. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Photo Credit: autoblog.com

Hi Guys.. I've got 2 choices now.. Sinota/Simota Drop-In Air Filter at S$70. VS Hurricane Drop-In Air Filter at S$90. Both Brand New. Anybody tried these two? Any comments which is better? Lets not look at the Figures. I just want comments about the Performance, Fuel Efficiency. I heard that Hurricane Filter have bigger holes in the filter, which means more dust can get thru' it. Any comments..?

Anyone who changed out their stock filter to Hurricane stainless steel ones experience CEL lighting up (O2 sensor)?

Hi Bros, Read on hurricane website. using it can expect 10% more milege really true? also claims its as good as open pod performance? no oling needed so it must be better than K&N. Any bros able to comfirm on this. considerin though

Guys just got a K&N filter and boy am I impressed. Passed on SS type becos I'm just not convinced. Anyway K&N even made filters for apaches used in the Gulf war. Would like to find out when do we need to wash the filter? K&N stickers says 50000 miles.....sure can be that long? Remember some ppl here say 30000Kms. What you ppl recommend?

Hi. Need advice from you bros and sis here. Which would you choose?

Anyone using hurricane filter? how do you wash it? With detergent?

Hurricane filter is way over price in Sgp, http://www.cmn-auto.com/products/filter.html 700 bht ~S$29.8

Today took out my KNN filter to wash and oil and put back my stock. To my pleasant surprise, with my stock filter, my ride feels smoother, more responsive and better throttle response. Now dunno how, should I put back my KNN, continue to drive with my stock or backside itchy go try a hurricane...any feedback welcome...

Anyone has start using these stainless steel air filter?? Its said to be better than KnN cos it did not use oil... which oil might containminate the sensor ?? True??