Tuesday, August 20, 2024 On Tuesday, South Korea began to brace for the impacts of Tropical Storm Jongdari, which has started its approach towards the nation’s coast. As the storm surged forward, it led to significant disruptions across various parts of the country, prompting officials to implement road closures and park shutdowns. Jeju International Airport has been particularly affected, with three flights cancelled, including those operated by Korean Air, Hunnu Air, and Spring Airlines.
Additionally, over 20 other flights have experienced delays. By 6:30 PM local time, Jongdari was located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of the southern island of Jeju. Moving northward at a speed of 33 kilometers per hour (20 miles per hour), the storm was accompanied by winds reaching up to 65 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour).
Despite the intensity of these winds, Jongdari is forecasted to weaken around midnight, just hours before its expected landfall near the western city of Seosan. Although the storm is anticipated to lose some of its strength as it continues its path, particularly when passing through the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area on Wednesday, South Korean officials are advising the public to remain vigilant. Residents are being urged to secure outdoor objects and vessels and to stay alert, especially in high-risk areas such as underground passageways and basement dwellings.
The South Korean weather agency has predicted that Jongdari will bring substantial rainfall to various regions. The island of Jeju and some southern mainland areas are expected to receive approximately 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) of rain, while central regions may experience up to 8 centimeters (3.
1 inches). The storm’s impact has already been felt in southern cities like Busan and Ulsan, where about 5 centimeters (1.9 inches) of rain fell on Tuesday afternoon.
Thankfully, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or significant property damage from these regions. In addition to the meteorological concerns, the storm has also caused significant disruptions to travel. Jeju International Airport has been particularly affected, with three flights cancelled including Korean air, Hunnu Air and Spring Airlines .
Travelers are advised to check their flight status and make necessary adjustments to their travel plans in light of the ongoing storm conditions. As Jongdari continues its course towards South Korea, authorities are working diligently to manage the situation and mitigate the impact on daily life. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to adhere to safety recommendations to navigate through the storm’s effects.
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