"Beware of Wet Roads and Strong Winds"... Heavy Rain Hits Seoul Metro Area, Toppling Trees and Causing Flooding and Accidents

Strong winds and rain to continue across Seoul metropolitan area through tonight
Seoul Metropolitan Government: "Rain damage reports... focused on resolving them quickly"

A section of the road at Gyeongseo Samgeori in Seohae-gu, Incheon, is flooded after heavy rain on Oct. 18, 2026. Yonhap News

Heavy rain centered on Seoul swept across the metropolitan area on October 18, causing flooding and other damage in various parts of the city.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rain of 20 to 30 mm per hour is expected to continue in Seoul and other parts of the metropolitan area from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., accompanied by strong winds. In Seoul, where a strong wind advisory has been issued, winds are gusting to around 70 km/h (20 m/s) in some areas. The rain bands are expected to move southeast afterward, with the rainfall gradually weakening.

According to the Seoul traffic information system, the underpass at Jeungsan Bridge in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, was flooded by rain, and traffic in both directions has been completely restricted since 3:04 p.m. on October 18. Alerts warning drivers to be cautious of wet roads and strong winds were also issued for several expressway sections, including the Yangjae-Anseong section of the Gyeongbu Expressway.

Damage from strong winds and heavy rain has been reported in various parts of the city. In Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, a tree was knocked down by a gust of wind. The tree fell into the middle of the road, obstructing vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

At around 5:18 p.m., a broken-down vehicle caused a partial traffic restriction on the section between the Dobong T exit and Wolgye 1 Bridge on the Eastern Arterial Road, in the direction of Seongsu Junction. Around the same time, a traffic accident occurred in the first lane of Gangnam-daero, on the stretch from Sinsa Station toward the Kyobo Tower intersection, requiring drivers to proceed with caution.

Roads near Yeonsinnae Station in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, have flooded, slowing traffic. In some areas, water has risen above knee level. Water levels in Jungnangcheon Stream in Seoul have also risen after heavy rain fell in a short period. Fallen leaves are believed to be blocking drains and impeding the flow of water.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it was responding immediately to a growing number of reports of flooding and rain-related damage. It said that as soon as a report is received, it communicates closely with the relevant district office, instructs crews to clear leaves from drains and requests cooperation with drainage work in flooded areas.

A Seoul Metropolitan Government official said, "The rain appears to be letting up, but we are receiving reports of rain-related damage and are responding with a focus on resolving the problems quickly."

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