Seoul:Heavy downpours and strong gusts swept through Seoul and other regions on Sunday, leading to urban flooding and various safety hazards. The severe weather conditions resulted in numerous emergencies and disruptions across the city.

According to Yonhap News Agency, localized torrential rain in Seoul caused drainage systems to clog as fallen leaves were swept by strong winds. Gangbuk Ward in the northern part of Seoul recorded the highest hourly rainfall intensity in the country, with 53.5 millimeters. By 500 p.m., fire authorities in Seoul had received 129 emergency calls, including 47 for drainage assistance, 21 for fallen trees, and 60 safety inspection requests for public facilities.

An emergency alert was issued by Seoul authorities at 316 p.m., advising residents to avoid low-lying and high-risk areas due to the heavy rainfall and windy conditions. By late afternoon, while some rain advisories were lifted, the city continued to experience scattered showers. Gangbuk Ward saw cumulative rainfall reach 65 mm, while Songpa District recorded a city-low of 20 mm. Rising water levels led to restricted access to 16 major urban streams.

The storm also disrupted traffic, particularly under the Jeungsan Bridge in Seodaemun Ward, where roads were completely blocked by flooding at around 304 p.m. Weather warnings for major highways urged drivers to be cautious. In Gangnam Ward, a fallen tree obstructed both traffic and pedestrians, while in Eunpyeong Ward, knee-high water levels were reported in some areas.

Shop owners were seen clearing leaves from catch basins to speed up drainage. The weather also led to the cancellation of outdoor events like the Grand Mint Festival at Olympic Park. Seoul activated Level 1 emergency response protocols and operated rainwater pumping stations to manage the situation.

The severe weather affected areas beyond Seoul, including Incheon and Gyeonggi Province. Three individuals were rescued from a flooded vehicle in Incheon, while authorities there received numerous reports of damage from the storm. In Incheon, 40 flights were canceled, 34 were delayed, and nine were forced to return due to the inclement weather.

In addition to Seoul, areas such as Gyeonggi Province, South Chungcheong Province, North Jeolla Province, and Jeju Island experienced uprooted trees and damaged storefronts as a result of the strong winds and rain.