Strong winds knock down traffic signals, strip building facades across Jeju

Strong winds battered Jeju Island on Saturday, snapping traffic signal wires and tearing facade panels off buildings.

As of 5 p.m. Saturday, the Jeju Island Fire and Safety Headquarters had recorded three wind-related incidents requiring emergency response.

The first was reported at around 11:40 a.m. in Hangyeong-myeon, Seogwipo, where traffic signal wires were severed and safety measures were carried out.

At around 1:05 p.m., exterior facade panels fell from a building in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo. At around 4 p.m., a pedestrian traffic signal came down in Yeon-dong, Jeju, prompting firefighters to secure it with ropes.

No injuries were reported.

Strong wind advisories remain in effect for mountainous areas of Jeju Island, the western, northern and mid-mountain zones of Jeju, the western, southern and mid-mountain zones of Seogwipo, and Chujado.

As of 5:30 p.m. Saturday, peak wind gusts at monitoring stations across the island included 24.3 meters per second at Samgakbong, 21.5 m/s at Sajebi, 18.1 m/s at Yusuam, 17.8 m/s at Saekdal and 17.0 m/s at Hallim.

The Korea Meteorological Administration warned that areas under the strong wind advisory could see gusts exceeding 20 m/s, with mountain zones potentially reaching above 25 m/s, and urged residents to secure structures and take precautions against accidents.

The agency said the strong wind advisory for Jeju is expected to remain in place through Sunday night, and through early Monday morning for Chujado.

With a wind and wave advisory also in effect for waters around Jeju Island, the agency said very high waves and swells are expected to continue for now, with some waves likely to wash over breakwaters and coastal roads. It urged people to stay away from the shoreline and called on vessels to exercise extreme caution.