Super Typhoon Hinnamnor Approaches North... Up to 300mm 'Water Bomb' in Jeju

Typhoon Hin Nam No is expected to make landfall on the Korean Peninsula this weekend (3rd-4th). / Photo by Song Hyun Do, Asia Economy intern reporter

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung, Intern Reporter Song Hyundo] The 'super typhoon' Hin Namno is expected to hit the Korean Peninsula over the weekend (3rd-4th). Jeju and the southern coast, already under the typhoon's influence, are expected to experience heavy rainfall through the weekend, with the impact spreading nationwide thereafter.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), as of 8 a.m. on the 2nd, Hin Namno began moving northward in the sea southeast of Taipei, Taiwan. In the early hours of the day, Hin Namno was classified as a 'very strong' typhoon of medium size, with wind speeds reaching 51 m/s and a radius of 320 km. It is the strongest 'super typhoon' category among the five levels used to measure typhoon intensity.

The southeastern part of Jeju is already within the typhoon's influence, experiencing rainfall of 10-20 mm per hour.

Expected rainfall over the next 2-3 days is ▲Jeju 100-200 mm (with some areas exceeding 300 mm), ▲Southern coast of Jeollanam-do and coastal areas of Gyeongsangnam-do 50-100 mm, ▲Southern Gyeongsangbuk-do, Jeollanam-do (excluding southern coast), and inland Gyeongsangnam-do 10-60 mm, ▲Eastern Gangwon-do, northern Gyeongsangbuk-do, southern Chungcheongnam-do, and Jeollabuk-do 5-30 mm. Some areas may experience gusty winds or thunder and lightning during heavy downpours.

Strong winds in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, under the influence of Hinnamnor. / Photo by YouTube video capture

The rain clouds are expected to expand to various parts of Jeju, the southern coast of Jeollanam-do, and the coastal areas of Gyeongsangnam-do by the weekend, specifically by the 4th, and rain is forecast to fall nationwide after morning.

Currently, the KMA expects Hin Namno to pass 60 km southeast of Seogwipo at 3 a.m. on the 6th and exit 320 km northeast of Dokdo by 3 a.m. on the 7th. Particularly, at the time it passes from Jeju to Busan on the 6th, the central pressure is expected to be 945 hectopascals (hPa) with maximum wind speeds of 45 m/s. This intensity is strong enough to blow people or large stones away.

Previously, the typhoon 'Maemi' that struck the Korean Peninsula in 2003 is an example of a typhoon with wind speeds exceeding 40 m/s making landfall. At that time, Maemi recorded a central pressure of 954 hPa and wind speeds of 60 m/s, causing property damage totaling 4.2225 trillion won.

The KMA advised, "Due to the extremely strong power of this typhoon, it will have direct and indirect effects nationwide," urging people to "prepare for facility management and flood damage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.