Heavy rain began hitting Seoul and the central-west region of South Korea this Wednesday morning [1].
These intense precipitation levels pose a significant risk of localized flooding and transport disruptions as the weather system expands to cover the entire country. The intensity of the rainfall is driven by a stagnant front that is pushing rain clouds, which developed over the West Sea, further inland [1].
Weather officials have issued a heavy rain advisory for Incheon-Ongjin [1]. In the capital region and Chungnam, rainfall intensity has been recorded at approximately 20 mm per hour [1]. Some areas may experience more severe localized bursts, with rates reaching roughly 50 mm per hour during the night [1].
The rainfall is expected to persist through Thursday. Forecasts indicate that the Chungcheong and Jeonbuk regions could see maximum rainfall totals exceeding 200 mm [1]. Other areas, including Seoul, the central-western, and north-central Gyeongbuk regions, are expected to receive more than 150 mm of rain [1].
Impacted areas currently include Seoul, Incheon-Ongjin, the Gyeonggi West Coast, Gangwon-Cheorwon, and north-western Chungnam [1]. YTN News said the rainy season has arrived in the central-western regions starting this morning [1].
Local authorities are monitoring the situation as the front remains stationary, increasing the likelihood of prolonged saturation in the soil and urban drainage systems [1].
“Maximum rainfall forecast for Chungcheong and Jeonbuk by tomorrow is 200 mm.”
The presence of a stagnant front suggests that the weather system is not moving quickly, which often leads to extreme accumulation in specific corridors. When rainfall exceeds 150 mm to 200 mm in a short window, urban infrastructure in densely populated areas like Seoul can become overwhelmed, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions.
