South Korea: Transportation disruptions as Typhoon Lingling approaches September 6 /update 2

Event

At least 80 flights were canceled at Jeju International Airport (CJU) and most passenger ships operating between the island of Jeju and the mainland have been suspended as of the evening (local time) of Friday, September 6, as Typhoon Lingling approaches South Korea. Officials expect more flights to be canceled nationwide over the coming hours as the storm is forecast to move near the west coast of South Korea by the afternoon of Saturday, September 7, before continuing northward and making landfall in the North Korean province of Hwanghae by Saturday evening. Typhoon warnings have been issued for Jeju as well as many coastal areas in Chungnam and Jeonbuk provinces.

As of 00:00 on Saturday Typhoon Lingling was located at approximately 32.5°N 125.0°E (map here) and is tracking north at 41 kph (25 mph). Lingling has maximum sustained winds of 155 kph (96 mph) and is expected to slowly weaken as it moves north and makes landfall over the coming hours and days.

Life-threatening flash flooding, damaging winds, and high storm surge are likely throughout the Korean peninsula. Associated power outages and disruptions to transportation and business services are to be expected in areas forecast to be affected by the storm over the coming hours and days.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.