Typhoon Krovanh to miss Korean Peninsula but brings strong winds, waves up to 5 meters to Jeju, Busan

Typhoon Krovanh, the 24th named storm of the season, is tracking toward Japan rather than the Korean Peninsula, but strong winds and high waves are expected to continue battering Jeju and southern coastal areas for now. Damage has already been reported in Jeju, including a crane collapse, prompting calls for heightened caution.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, Krovanh was moving eastward Sunday at 3 a.m., located about 140 kilometers south-southeast of Japan's Okinawa. The storm's central pressure stood at 992 hectopascals, with maximum wind speeds of 21 meters per second.

Krovanh is forecast to move out into waters east of Okinawa without turning north toward the Korean Peninsula, then shift northward. It is expected to weaken into a tropical depression around 3 a.m. Tuesday, roughly 390 kilometers south-southeast of Kagoshima, Japan.

Although the typhoon's center is moving away from the Korean Peninsula, its indirect effects continue to be felt.

A strong wind advisory is currently in effect across all of Jeju. Gusts of more than 20 meters per second are expected in parts of the island, with mountain areas seeing winds exceeding 25 meters per second.

Wind-related damage has already been reported. On Sept. 4, a crane toppled while in operation at Jeju Port in Geonip-dong, Jeju, injuring two people seriously. Street trees, traffic signals and other infrastructure were also damaged.

The strong winds are not limited to Jeju. The Korea Meteorological Administration issued a strong wind advisory for western, central and eastern Busan as of 10 a.m. Sunday. Such advisories are issued when sustained winds are expected to reach at least 14 meters per second or gusts exceed 20 meters per second.

Strong wind advisories are also in effect for parts of South Jeolla Province, including Yeosu and Wando. Pedestrians and drivers alike are urged to exercise caution, as signs, banners and tree branches could fall and structures could be knocked over by the powerful winds.

Rain is also expected to continue in Jeju.

Intermittent rain is forecast in mountain and mid-altitude areas through Monday morning, with some coastal areas also seeing rain or scattered showers.

Expected rainfall totals are 20 to 60 millimeters in Jeju's mountain and mid-altitude zones, and 5 to 20 millimeters along the coast.

However, the rain is unlikely to fall continuously for extended periods. Instead, it is expected to come and go depending on location, meaning totals could vary significantly across Jeju based on terrain and time of day.

The combination of strong winds and rain could significantly heighten the danger. Visibility may drop and roads may become slippery on mountain and coastal roads, so drivers are advised to take extra care.

Conditions at sea are expected to be even more severe than on land.

Gale and wave warnings are currently in effect across all waters around Jeju and in the far western reaches of the South Sea. Winds are blowing at 9 to 18 meters per second, and waves are expected to reach up to 5 meters.

The sea does not calm immediately once the typhoon's center moves away. Long-period swells generated in distant waters around the storm can continue to travel toward the coast even after the typhoon has passed.

Swells can appear deceptively calm from a distance but may suddenly send powerful waves crashing ashore. High waves could wash over beaches or overtop rocky shores and breakwaters, and people are advised to stay away from coastal areas.

The Korea Meteorological Administration said the current strong wind and wave warnings could remain in effect through Tuesday. Vessels navigating or fishing in waters around Jeju and the South Sea are urged to prepare for high waves and strong winds.

"The strong wind and wave warnings may continue for an extended period through Tuesday, so vessels at sea should exercise extreme caution," a Korea Meteorological Administration official said. "Falling objects such as banners and tree branches, as well as fallen or broken trees, pose a risk of injury — pedestrians and drivers should stay alert."

While Krovanh is unlikely to pass directly over the Korean Peninsula, the reach of a typhoon's effects cannot be judged by the storm's center alone. Strong winds, high waves and swells can persist for a considerable time even after the typhoon moves away. Residents in Jeju and southern areas should remain vigilant about coastal access, outdoor activities and the safety of structures until all advisories are lifted.