Strong Winds and Heavy Rain Cause Flight and Ferry Disruptions in Jeju
Over 30 Departures and 35 Arrivals Canceled at Jeju International Airport
Ferry Services to Wando and Jindo Also Suspended
Strong winds and heavy rain in Jeju are causing disruptions to both flights and passenger ferries.
According to the Korea Airports Corporation's Jeju branch, as of 11:00 a.m. on May 9, a total of 65 flights (30 departures and 35 arrivals) at Jeju International Airport had been canceled due to worsening weather conditions, while 32 flights (15 departures and 17 arrivals) were delayed.
Passenger ferry operations have also been affected. According to the Jeju Maritime Traffic Control Center, the Songlim Blue Ocean and Gold Stella ferries connecting Jeju and Wando, as well as the Santa Monica ferry connecting Jeju and Jindo, were canceled on this day.
Flight cancellation notices are displayed at the domestic terminal of Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Asia Economy DB
As of the morning of May 9, a strong wind advisory was in effect for all areas of Jeju Island. Heavy rain warnings were issued for the mountainous areas, southern mid-mountainous regions, southern, and eastern parts of Jeju, while heavy rain advisories were in effect for the northern mid-mountainous and western regions. In areas under heavy rain warnings, rainfall exceeded 30mm per hour, with the southern mid-mountainous region experiencing around 20mm per hour of very heavy rain. Winds of over 20 meters per second were recorded, especially in the mid-mountainous regions and above.
A Jeju Airport official stated, "Due to strong winds, takeoffs and landings are difficult not only in Jeju but also at other regional airports, resulting in cancellations and delays. We ask passengers to check flight information before coming to the airport."
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the rain in southern regions and Jeju is expected to stop on May 9. However, rain will continue in the Chungnam region, inland Jeonbuk, northern inland Gyeongbuk, northeastern mountainous Gyeongbuk, and northwestern inland Gyeongnam until the afternoon of May 10; in the Seoul metropolitan area, Yeongdong in Gangwon, and Chungbuk until the night of May 10; and in Yeongseo in Gangwon until the early morning of May 11. Expected rainfall amounts by May 10 are as follows: 10-50mm in Seoul and the metropolitan area and Gangwon Province; 10-40mm in Chungcheong, Jeonnam, Jeonbuk, and inland Gyeongnam; 20-60mm in southern Jeonnam, Busan, Ulsan, southern coastal Gyeongnam, and near Jirisan; 50-100mm in Jeju Island, and 20-60mm in northern Jeju. In southern inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, localized showers of around 5mm are also expected in the afternoon of May 11.
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