Why Did Heavy Rain Hit the Seoul Area, Triggering the Year's First Emergency Alert?
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Synopsis
On May 16, 2023, an unexpected deluge struck Seoul, South Korea, igniting the first emergency text alert of the year. This article delves into the factors behind the heavy rain and its impact on the region, including road congestion and safety precautions for residents.
Key Takeaways
- Emergency alerts were issued for heavy rain in Seoul.
- Residents experienced 74 mm of rainfall in just one hour.
- Traffic congestion occurred during the evening rush hour.
- Precautions are recommended due to the possibility of severe weather.
- Rain is expected to continue through late Friday.
Seoul, May 16 (NationPress) A significant downpour unexpectedly struck the greater Seoul area in South Korea on Friday, leading to the issuance of the year's initial emergency text alert for severe rain. This alert was sent to mobile devices of residents in various parts of the region.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., individuals in Onam-eup, located around 25 kilometers east of Seoul, received a warning about the intense rain after the area experienced a remarkable 74 millimeters of rainfall within just one hour.
The Korea Meteorological Administration issues such alerts when hourly rainfall surpasses 50 mm, cumulative three-hour rainfall exceeds 90 mm, or when one-hour rainfall alone surpasses 72 mm.
Eighteen waterways in Seoul, including Cheonggye Stream and Anyang Stream, were closed for public access due to the heavy rains, as reported by city officials.
The rain also led to traffic jams on major thoroughfares during the evening rush hour.
Weather experts indicated that the heavy rainfall was likely a result of a combination of cold air lingering in the upper atmosphere over Seoul and warm, humid air moving into the lower atmosphere due to a low-pressure system passing south of the peninsula, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
Rain is anticipated to persist across a large portion of the country through late Friday. Showers may continue into early Saturday in central and southern Gangwon Province, as well as inland areas of Chungcheong, Jeolla, Gyeongsang provinces, and Jeju Island.
Strong winds, lightning, and possible hail may accompany the storms, prompting officials to encourage the public to take precautions to safeguard facilities, crops, and personal safety.
While most of the rain is expected to ease in the Seoul area by Friday night, showers will likely persist into early Saturday morning in central and southern Gangwon, as well as in the inland regions of Chungcheong, Jeolla, Gyeongsang, and on Jeju Island.
Light rain of less than 5 millimeters is anticipated on Saturday in the capital region and the mountainous inland areas of Gangwon during the afternoon and evening hours.
Point of View
It is crucial to stay informed and prepared during such extreme weather events. The heavy rainfall in Seoul serves as a reminder of nature's unpredictability and the importance of timely alerts and community awareness to ensure public safety.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the heavy rain in Seoul?
The heavy rain was attributed to a mix of cold air lingering in the upper atmosphere and warm, humid air entering the lower atmosphere due to a low-pressure system.
What precautions should residents take during heavy rain?
Residents are advised to secure their homes, safeguard crops, and stay updated on weather alerts to ensure personal safety.
