The 18th typhoon of the season, 'Kraton,' is moving northward. It is likely to affect the country during the upcoming bridge holiday period in early next month.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 29th, Kraton was located about 570 km northeast of Manila at 9 a.m. that day. It developed over the sea northeast of Manila, Philippines, at 9 a.m. the previous day and has been moving northward since. The maximum sustained wind speed at the center is 29 m/s (104 km/h), the central pressure is 980 hPa (hectopascal), and its intensity is classified as 'moderate.'
The Korea Meteorological Administration expects that Kraton will be drawn northwestward by a high-pressure system over inland China, then change direction to move northeastward east of Taiwan, reaching about 530 km northeast of Taipei, that is, the distant sea south of Jeju Island, around 9 a.m. on the 4th.
There are still many variables regarding the typhoon's path. If Kraton is more influenced by the inland China high-pressure system and moves westward more than expected, it may weaken while passing Taiwan and make landfall in southern China. Depending on the speed of Kraton's northeastward movement, it is uncertain whether it will maintain typhoon-level strength while passing over the sea north of the 30-degree latitude line, where the heat capacity is low.
However, among various numerical forecast models, the majority predict that Kraton will turn northeastward east of Taiwan and either make landfall on the Korean Peninsula or pass through the Korea Strait, so preparations are necessary.
The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that if Kraton moves as currently expected, rain will fall mainly in the southern regions and along the east coast around the bridge holiday from the 3rd to the 5th of next month. These areas suffered flood damage from heavy rain on the 21st, so if heavy rain falls again, additional damage may occur.
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