Upon reaching South Korean territory, Typhoon Khanun is expected to maintain its “strong” intensity, although its force may experience a slight reduction to a “medium” level
South Korea is on high alert as it prepares to face the impending threat of powerful Typhoon Khanun, projected to make landfall on Wednesday.
This marks the first time a typhoon is expected to hit the country since the arrival of Typhoon Hinnamnor in September of last year, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).
As of 3 a.m., Typhoon Khanun was steadily advancing northwestward from the ocean, positioned 140 km southwest of Japan’s Kagoshima.
Its current speed measures 14 km per hour, as reported by the KMA. The meteorological agency anticipates the typhoon’s northward progression, predicting it will reach waters approximately 120 km south of the southern coastal city of Tongyeong by 3 a.m. on Thursday.
Subsequently, the typhoon is forecasted to make landfall in the country during the morning hours, according to a statement from the Yonhap News Agency, which cites the KMA.
Upon reaching South Korean territory, Typhoon Khanun is expected to maintain its “strong” intensity, although its force may experience a slight reduction to a “medium” level by 3 p.m. on Thursday, when it is projected to approach the central city of Cheongju.
The typhoon is set to continue its trajectory northward, passing through South Korea and positioning itself 90 km south-southwest of North Korea’s northern city of Kanggye by 3 p.m. on Friday.
Should Typhoon Khanun follow its projected path, it would signify the first instance of a typhoon making landfall on South Korea since Typhoon Hinnamnor struck the country in early September of the previous year.
The aftermath of Typhoon Hinnamnor led to a tragic toll, leaving a dozen individuals dead and forcing thousands to evacuate their homes.
Furthermore, Typhoon Khanun’s course is poised to be historically significant, as it is anticipated to be the first typhoon in nearly half a century to traverse the country from its southern to northern ends.
Not since 1977, when relevant KMA records began, has a typhoon traversed South Korea in such a manner.
Commencing on Wednesday, Typhoon Khanun is projected to exert its influence across the entire nation until Friday morning. The aftermath is expected to bring torrential rain and powerful winds.
Gangwon province, in particular, faces the potential of encountering rain rates of up to 100 millimeters per hour, with the possibility of accumulated precipitation reaching 600 mm. Meanwhile, the greater Seoul area is bracing for up to 200 mm of rainfall.
The remainder of the country is not to be spared from the storm’s impact, with rainfalls ranging from 30 mm to 300 mm predicted across various regions.
In addition to heavy rainfall, the southern coastal areas are likely to experience intense winds, reaching speeds of up to 145 kph, according to the meteorological agency’s projections.
Residents are urged to take all necessary precautions and heed official advisories as Typhoon Khanun approaches the Korean Peninsula. (Edited)