Traffic Jam Extends to Northern Gyeonggi... 100mm per Hour, Heavy Rain Warning Issued

Heavy Rain Expected in the Seoul Metropolitan Area and Gangwon Province

The stationary front remained over northern Gyeonggi Province, prompting heavy rain warnings for eight cities and counties including Paju and Yeoncheon.

Amid heavy monsoon rain, a citizen stands waiting to cross the crosswalk.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) on the 17th, as of 7 a.m., the accumulated rainfall was 269.0 mm in Panmunjom, Paju, 148.3 mm in Munsan, Paju, and 127.0 mm in Baekhak, Yeoncheon. In Munsan-eup, Paju, torrential rain fell at a rate of 100.9 mm per hour, and in the Panmunjom area, rain poured at 86.0 mm per hour. Heavy rain warnings were issued for five cities and counties including Paju, Yeoncheon, Pocheon, Yangju, and Dongducheon, while heavy rain advisories were in effect for three cities and counties including Namyangju, Yangju, and Gapyeong.

The KMA forecasted an additional 30 to 70 mm of rain in northern Gyeonggi Province until the morning. Currently, the stationary front is located over the Shandong Peninsula, Ongjin Peninsula, and northern Gyeonggi, with dry air moving southward, intensifying the rain clouds.

Continuous rainfall caused damage reports such as fallen street trees. According to the Gyeonggi Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters, around 8 p.m. the previous day, a 5-meter tall tree fell in Juyop-dong, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang City. Street tree fall accidents occurred in Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju, and Gyomun-dong, Guri City, and in Ildong-myeon, Pocheon City, a residential bathroom drain backflow was reported.

A KMA official stated, “Currently, rainfall is easing mainly in the metropolitan area, but strong rain clouds are located mainly over northern Gyeonggi and the West Sea,” adding, “Heavy and substantial rain is expected mainly in the metropolitan area and Gangwon Province.”