Strong Wind Warning

A weather alert issued when damage from strong winds is expected, representing a higher warning level than a strong wind advisory.

Strong Wind Warning

Overview

Strong Wind Warning (강풍경보) is a weather alert issued by the Korea Meteorological Administration (기상청) when it judges there is a high risk of loss of life and property damage due to strong winds. It is a warning level one step higher than a Strong Wind Advisory (강풍주의보), and is announced when damage to facilities, accidents from falling objects, and disruptions to maritime and aviation operations are expected. It is important to note that this is not merely information about windy weather, but an alert of a disaster situation requiring social response.

Key Details

Definition and Issuance Criteria

Strong wind alerts are operated with different criteria for land and sea. On land, a Strong Wind Advisory is issued when an average wind speed of 14 meters per second or more, or an instantaneous wind speed of 20 meters per second or more, is expected to persist for at least 3 hours. A Strong Wind Warning takes effect when an average wind speed of 21 meters per second or more, or an instantaneous wind speed of 26 meters per second or more, is expected for at least 3 hours. However, the Korea Meteorological Administration may make flexible judgments depending on the region, season, and possibility of damage; at sea, Wind and Wave Advisories and Wind and Wave Warnings are operated separately.

Issuance and Cancellation

The Korea Meteorological Administration analyzes the possibility of strong winds based on numerical forecast models and data from radar, satellites, and automatic weather observing equipment. When an alert is issued, it is disseminated through disaster text messages, broadcasts, the Korea Meteorological Administration website and app, and local government disaster management systems. A Strong Wind Warning expands or maintains the affected areas as damage concerns increase, and is lifted when winds weaken and risk factors decrease. Even after it is lifted, facility damage may remain, so additional safety inspections are necessary.

Social and Economic Impact

When a Strong Wind Warning is issued, construction site cranes and temporary structures, outdoor signs, greenhouses, livestock barns, utility poles, and communication lines may be damaged. In urban areas, the risk of pedestrian accidents increases due to gusts between high-rise buildings and falling objects, and aircraft cancellations, restrictions on ship passage, and road closures may occur. In agriculture, crop lodging and facility damage are major risk factors, while in the power sector, contact with transmission lines and power outages are major risks. It can also increase the spread rate of wildfires and make it difficult to extinguish large fires.

Action Guidelines

When a Strong Wind Warning is in effect, reduce going out and outdoor activities, and firmly secure windows and doors. Move objects that could blow away, such as flower pots, chairs, and tools on balconies and rooftops, indoors. It is advisable not to approach construction sites, aging facilities, or areas around street trees. When driving, reduce lane changes and slow down on bridges, tunnel entrances, and coastal roads. High waves may wash over coastal areas and breakwaters, so avoid approaching them and evacuate according to local government guidance.

Difference from the Advisory

A Strong Wind Advisory is a stage that calls for caution in advance when strong winds are expected, while a Strong Wind Warning is issued when actual damage potential is judged to be greater. At the warning stage, school classes, outdoor events, and construction work may be adjusted, and the response of the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters is also strengthened. It is often issued together with typhoons, low-pressure systems, or heavy snow, and may expand into a complex disaster.

Latest Trends

In 2024–2025, interest in localized gusts and instantaneous strong winds is growing due to the effects of climate change and urbanization. The Korea Meteorological Administration is advancing its information in the direction of expanding ultra-short-term forecasting and impact-based forecasting to provide guidance on the social impacts of strong winds. As smartphone disaster text messages and local government notification services have become widespread, the speed of alert delivery has also increased. Design and safety standards and strong wind response manuals for wind power generation, high-rise buildings, and large outdoor facilities are also being strengthened.