Typhoon likely to hit Korea over weekend

Heavy rain expected nationwide even before typhoon comes

Central and local governments raised their alert status Tuesday after the state-run weather agency reported that Typhoon Lingling was gaining strength as it approached the Korean Peninsula.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), this year’s 13th typhoon was moving north-northwest at a speed of 9 kilometers per hour from an area about 650 kilometers southeast of Taiwan.

The storm, which was formed east of the Philippines, started as a small typhoon with a central pressure of 994 hectopascals and a maximum wind speed of 21 meters per second near its center.

However, the KMA forecast the typhoon to grow stronger and faster as it travels north toward the peninsula, and its maximum wind speed will record 37 meters per second.

The typhoon is expected to arrive in waters 310 kilometers southwest of Jeju Island at 9 a.m. Friday and move north to approach seas 110 kilometers northwest of Gunsan in North Jeolla Province at 9 a.m. Saturday. It is forecast to enter North Korea at around 3 a.m. Sunday.

Typhoon Lingling will also bring heavy rain that will affect the whole peninsula over the weekend.

“The typhoon is gaining strength while moving toward Taiwan, and is expected to approach Korea fast after Wednesday night,” the weather agency said.

Even before the typhoon arrives, the country started to experience rainfall in southern parts Monday.

The KMA forecast a maximum of 300 millimeters of rain in central areas of the peninsula, including Seoul. Torrential rainfall is expected Wednesday and Thursday mornings in the region.

Heavy rain advisories were issued for the south including Jinju in South Gyeongsang Province and Yeosu in South Jeolla Province, Tuesday, while heavy rain warnings were issued for other nearby areas.

Over 50 millimeters of rainfall per hour are expected on Jeju Island, Friday and Saturday, together with strong winds, the weather agency said.

“Damage from flooding is anticipated as the typhoon will bring more rainfall over the weekend in addition to that from the rain front during the week,” a KMA official said. “We advise taking thorough precautions against possible damage, especially in western coastal areas.”