A heavy-rain warning is in effect for the Seoul metropolitan area as extreme rainfall is forecast through tomorrow [1].
These weather conditions pose a significant risk to millions of residents, with officials saying that the intensity of the storms could lead to widespread flooding and dangerous landslides [1].
Forecasters expect rainfall rates to reach up to 80 mm per hour [1]. This extreme weather is driven by a strong rain-cloud system moving over the region, sustained by additional moisture entering from the West Sea [1].
As of Friday, strong rain has already begun falling in several key areas. Incheon and the Gyeonggi Province cities of Paju and Gimpo have recorded rainfall of around 30 mm per hour [1]. The warning extends beyond the immediate Seoul area to include north-western Gangwon and parts of Chungcheong [1].
Weather officials said that the cumulative rainfall could reach a maximum of 300 mm by tomorrow [1]. A YTN anchor said that extreme rainfall is expected to center on the central region through Friday morning [1].
Local authorities are monitoring flood-prone zones as the system moves. The combination of high hourly rates and high cumulative totals increases the likelihood of soil saturation, which often precedes landslides in the region's hilly terrain [1].
“Rainfall rates up to 80 mm per hour”
The forecast of 80 mm per hour represents an 'extreme' rainfall event that can easily overwhelm urban drainage systems in the Seoul metropolitan area. When combined with a cumulative total of 300 mm, the saturation of the ground significantly increases the risk of slope failure and flash flooding, necessitating immediate emergency preparedness for residents in low-lying or mountainous regions.
