South Korea: Typhoon Soulik to hit western South Korea August 23 /update 1

Event

Forecasts as of 12:00 (local time) on Wednesday, August 22, predict Typhoon Soulik will curve up the western coast of South Korea, with tropical storm effects on the peninsula beginning Thursday, August 23. The storm will make landfall just south of Incheon Thursday evening before pushing inland just west of Seoul. As of noon, Soulik is the equivalent of Category 2 hurricane and producing sustained winds of 175 km/h (109 mph) and gusts of up to 213 km/h (132 mph). An estimated 7-15 cm (3-6 in) of rain is expected to fall on western and northern South Korea and could cause flooding in some areas. Mudslides are also possible in the mountainous regions.

Context

Soulik is the 19th storm this typhoon season. Typhoons and tropical cyclones are common in the western Pacific from May through November.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate strong winds and heavy rain (and associated disruptions), and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.