South Korea braces for heavy rain as weakening Typhoon Bavi moves inland

SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - Heavy rain and strong winds are expected nationwide as Typhoon Bavi, which made landfall in China last week, moves toward the Korean Peninsula, the Korea Meteorological Administration said on Tuesday.

This year's ninth typhoon Bavi, named after a mountain range in Viet Nam, continues to carry large amounts of moisture despite weakening into a tropical cyclone after making landfall in China's Zhejiang province over the weekend, according the KMA.

Rainfall of up to 100 millimeters is forecast for the Seoul metropolitan area and central regions through early Wednesday, accompanied by strong winds, thunder and lightning in some areas. Some areas of Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces are expected to receive heavy downpours of up to 50 millimeters per hour.

Satellite imagery showed that Bavi persisted longer than expected, unlike most typhoons, which typically dissipate once they move inland.

But the KMA said the storm's strength and path could still change depending on how quickly it weakens, urging people to stay tuned to the latest weather updates.

It urged people to stay indoors if possible, avoid flood-prone and low-lying areas such as riversides and underpasses, secure outdoor objects that could be blown away.