South Korea: Adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least March 26

Event

Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas are forecast across much of South Korea through at least March 26. The adverse weather is expected to initially affect Jeju, South Jeolla, and western South Gyeongsang provinces from late March 25, before spreading across much of the country through early March 26. Rainfall will ease for most regions late March 26, but will persist in Gangwon and North Chungcheong provinces. The heaviest rainfall and strongest winds are expected in southwestern areas, with rainfall amounts of over 25 cm (10 inches) possible in mountainous areas of Jeju and winds gusting up to 90 kph (56 mph) expected across Jeju and southern coastal areas.

As of March 25, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued the following warnings and advisories:

• Heavy rain warnings: Mountainous, northern, and eastern Jeju.

• Strong wind warnings: Most of Jeju and southern parts of South Joella Province.

• Heavy rain advisories: Western and southern Jeju, parts of southeastern South Joella, and southwestern South Gyeongsang provinces.

• Strong wind advisories: Across much of the southwest as well as southern, western, and eastern coastal regions.

Wind wave warnings have been issued for some southwestern coastal waters and wind wave advisories for all other sea areas.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Korea Meteorological Administration