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| Strong winds and high waves hit the coast of Korea's southern Jeju Island, Tuesday, as Typhoon Bavi approaches. Yonhap |
By Bahk Eun-ji
Typhoon Bavi is approaching the Korean Peninsula rapidly, with Jeju Island already feeling the influence of the season's eighth typhoon Tuesday. The powerful typhoon, bringing strong winds and heavy rain, is expected to batter the capital area, Thursday.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said Bavi's intensity was expected to grow to "very strong" and would likely have direct impact on the country. Bavi was moving northward at 12 kilometers per hour 400 kilometers northwest of Seogwipo, Jeju Island, as of 3 p.m. Tuesday.
The central pressure was reported to be 955 hectopascals, with a maximum wind speed of 144 kilometers per hour near its center, and a wind and storm radius of a respective 370 kilometers and 120 kilometers. The maximum wind speed is expected to be 140 kilometers per hour, or 39 meters per second.
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The wind will be stronger than the maximum 162 kilometers per hour near the center, becoming "very strong" in size and intensity later Tuesday. According to the KMA, "very strong" means when the maximum wind speed near the core is between 44 meters per second and 54 meters per second.
Winds of this speed can blow a person or very large rock around the KMA said. At 50 meters per second or more buildings and other structures will be subject to severe damage.
It is forecast to reach 100 kilometers from the southwest coast of Mokpo at 9 p.m., and the next day, it will advance north to about 10 kilometers southwest of Pyongyang at around 9 a.m.
The typhoon is expected to reach the west of Jeju Island, Wednesday afternoon, and then continue northward along the west coast.
Seoul and its surrounding areas are expected to come under the direct influence of the typhoon, Thursday morning.
A "typhoon watch" was issued at 2 a.m., Tuesday, for seas south of Jeju Island due to Bavi's northward movement. In addition, preliminary "typhoon warnings" are in effect in Daegu, Busan, Ulsan, Sejong and Gwangju.
"There are concerns about strong wind damage across the country. Jeju Island, the south coast, islands in the West Sea and the western part of the country may see enormous damage from the strong winds," a KMA official said.
He warned people: "Please be thoroughly prepared for the massive damage to steel towers, construction sites, roadside trees, and auxiliary facilities of buildings, as well as fish farms, bridges, electrical facilities, makeshift clinics for coronavirus tests, plastic film-covered greenhouses, temporary buildings and tall buildings to prevent accidents."
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