South Korea: Typhoon Soulik to impact southern regions August 22

Event

According to forecasts released on Sunday morning (local time), August 19, Typhoon Soulik is now predicted to make landfall in southern South Korea beginning Wednesday, August 22, with the worst effects of the storm hitting the country on Thursday, August 23. As of 03:00 Sunday, Soulik is the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane, with sustained winds of 194 km/h (121 mph) and gusts up to 241 km/h (150 mph). It is projected to weaken slightly just before it makes landfall but will remain a strong storm. The center of the storm will likely miss the Japanese main islands and proceed directly up the center of the Korean peninsula, with the eye striking slightly west of Busan. Heavy rains and strong winds are expected throughout the country, including Daegu, Gwangju, Busan, and Daejeon; flooding and wind damage are possible.

Context

Typhoon Soulik formed as a typhoon on Friday, August 17, and rapidly gained strength as it moved northwest. Typhoons and tropical cyclones are common in the western Pacific from June 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.