The Korean Peninsula will come under the direct influence of Typhoon Halola this weekend, bringing rain, wind gusts and rough surf, South Korea's state weather agency said Saturday.
Halola, the 12th typhoon of this year, is marching toward Japan and Korea at the speed of 15 kilometers per hour, according to Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).
"It is a small typhoon with the strength of 'middle.' As of 9 a.m. today, it was moving toward Jeju Island from waters about 220km east of Okinawa," Lee Jae-shin, a KMA official said.
All southern waters off the peninsula will be affected starting early Sunday morning.
The KMA has already issued a gale watch for some southern islands, cautioning vessels against possible damage.
A U.S.-based weather forecaster, AccuWeather, also said Halola is on track to hit Japan's Ryukyu Islands and South Korea.
"That journey will end by early next week in the Sea of Japan, but not before Halola impacts Japan and southeastern South Korea this weekend," it said. "The good news is that disruptive winds aloft, known as wind shear, and cooler waters will force Halola to weaken dramatically before reaching South Korea." (Yonhap)
