[Weather] Strong Winds Sweep Across All Coastal Areas of Gwangju and South Jeolla... Residents and Vacationers Warned of Swells

Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds at Sea
Secure Coastal Facilities Thoroughly

With the expansion of strong wind advisories along the coastal areas of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, and high seas warnings issued across all maritime regions, powerful winds and high waves are threatening the coast.

On the 12th, a strong wind advisory was issued, causing disruptions to flight operations at Jeju International Airport, where tourists and other passengers were waiting. Photo by Yonhap News

According to the Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration, as of 3:00 p.m. on July 14, strong wind advisories were additionally issued for areas along the southern coast of South Jeolla Province, including Boseong, Yeosu, Gwangyang, Suncheon, Jangheung, Gangjin, Geomundo/Chodo, Goheung, and Wando. With these additions, the entire coast of South Jeolla Province has now come under the influence of strong winds, including Yeongam, Hampyeong, Mokpo, Shinan, Jindo, Yeonggwang, Haenam, Muan, and Heuksando/Hongdo, which had previously been under advisories.

The situation at sea is worsening further. While high seas advisories are already in effect for the far southern waters of the Yellow Sea and the westernmost part of the southern sea, at 2:00 p.m., high seas advisories were extended to the nearshore southern Yellow Sea and the easternmost part of the southern sea, and from 3:00 p.m., additional advisories were issued for the nearshore western part of the southern sea (excluding each designated calm zone). However, the preliminary high seas advisories initially scheduled for the calm zone of the nearshore waters were lifted at 12:10 p.m., as the likelihood of issuing them decreased in the morning.

Currently, waves as high as 5.4 meters have been recorded in the waters near Hongdo, with significant wave heights reaching around 2 to 3 meters, indicating severe turbulent seas. Gusts are reported at 10 to 13 meters per second.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts that in the far southern waters of the Yellow Sea and the nearshore southern Yellow Sea/southern sea (where high seas advisories have been issued), winds will remain very strong—at speeds of 28 to 65 kilometers per hour (8 to 16 meters per second)—until the morning of July 15. The easternmost part of the southern sea will see such conditions until the afternoon of July 15. Waves are expected to be very high, ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 meters, making early evacuation critical for vessels engaged in navigation or fishing operations. Between today and tomorrow, some areas of the far southern Yellow Sea and southern sea may also experience gusty winds accompanied by thunder and lightning.

Particularly concerning for coastal residents and vacationers is the phenomenon of 'neoul' (long-period swells). The Korea Meteorological Administration has forecast that, for the time being, high swell waves caused by neoul will surge powerfully onto beaches along the South Jeolla coastline, with many areas seeing waves overtopping rock formations and breakwaters.

A Gwangju Meteorological Administration official stated, "Powerful winds and rough seas are impacting all maritime areas, significantly increasing the risk of maritime safety accidents. We urge that coastal facilities be firmly secured and that weather updates be monitored continuously to prevent loss of life."

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