Typhoon Bavi Path
Overview
Typhoon Bavi (바비) was the 8th typhoon of 2020, one of the powerful typhoons that directly impacted the Korean Peninsula. Forming in the northwestern Pacific, it moved northward along the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, causing significant damage, particularly in the western coastal regions. Bavi was the strongest typhoon to make landfall on the Korean Peninsula in 2020, and its path and impact are recorded as a meteorologically significant case.
Main Content
Formation and Early Path
Typhoon Bavi formed around 9:00 AM on August 22, 2020, approximately 1,000 km southeast of Okinawa, Japan. At the time of formation, its central pressure was 998 hPa, and maximum wind speed was 18 m/s, developing from a relatively weak tropical depression. It then moved northwestward, gradually intensifying, and by August 24, it had grown into a strong medium-sized typhoon with a central pressure of 970 hPa and maximum wind speed of 35 m/s.
Northward Movement and Development
From August 25, Bavi shifted its direction from northwest to north, moving rapidly toward the Korean Peninsula. During this period, the typhoon moved along the edge of the North Pacific High, passing through the western sea of Japan's Kyushu region and advancing into the East China Sea. By the morning of August 26, it had developed into a 'very strong' typhoon with a central pressure of 955 hPa and maximum wind speed of 43 m/s, which was the peak intensity among typhoons in 2020. The typhoon's size also expanded, with a gale-force wind radius reaching 400 km.
Approach to the Korean Peninsula and Impact
In the early hours of August 27, Typhoon Bavi passed through the western sea of Jeju Island, beginning to exert a full-scale impact on the Korean Peninsula. Jeju Island and the southern coast had already started experiencing strong winds and heavy rain from August 26. Bavi moved northward along the west coast, passing near Heuksando Island, South Jeolla Province, around 9:00 AM on August 27. At this time, the typhoon's center was located over the western sea of the Korean Peninsula, but the dangerous semicircle—the right semicircle of the typhoon—encompassed the Seoul metropolitan area and the entire west coast, resulting in extremely strong winds.
Landfall and Dissipation
Typhoon Bavi made landfall near the Ongjin Peninsula in Hwanghae Province, North Korea, around 2:00 PM on August 27. At the time of landfall, its central pressure was 965 hPa, and maximum wind speed was 40 m/s, still maintaining strong intensity. After landfall, the typhoon entered the interior of North Korea and began to weaken rapidly due to topographical friction and upper-level wind influences. By the night of August 27, it transformed into an extratropical cyclone in the North Hamgyong Province region and dissipated.
Record-Breaking Winds and Damage
Typhoon Bavi left record-breaking winds on the Korean Peninsula. Particularly in the west coast regions, many areas recorded instantaneous maximum wind speeds exceeding 50 m/s. Gageodo Island in Sinan County, South Jeolla Province, recorded an instantaneous maximum wind speed of 56.5 m/s; Baengnyeongdo Island in Ongjin County, Incheon, recorded 54.4 m/s; and Boryeong City, South Chungcheong Province, recorded 46.8 m/s. In Seoul, an instantaneous maximum wind speed of 30.1 m/s was observed, causing damage such as fallen street trees and falling signboards in various parts of the city. Nationwide, approximately 1,200 reports of wind damage were received, resulting in one death and two injuries. Agricultural damage was also significant, with about 1,500 hectares of farmland flooded or crops flattened.
Meteorological Characteristics
The path of Typhoon Bavi was a typical 'west coast passage type,' where the typhoon's center moved northward along the west coast, concentrating strong winds and heavy rain on the west coast regions. This path requires particular caution because the typhoon's dangerous semicircle can strike densely populated areas like the Seoul metropolitan area. Additionally, Bavi was characterized by maintaining strong intensity without significant weakening while moving northward. This is analyzed as being due to its movement along the edge of the North Pacific High, receiving sufficient moisture supply, and favorable upper-level divergence.
Latest Trends
As of 2024-2025, the path and impact of Typhoon Bavi are being used as an important case for improving the Korea Meteorological Administration's typhoon forecast models. Particularly for west coast passage-type typhoons, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based ensemble prediction system has been introduced to enhance the accuracy of wind forecasts. In 2024, a 'West Coast Typhoon Risk Assessment Model' based on the case of Typhoon Bavi was developed and put into actual operation. This model comprehensively considers the typhoon's path, intensity, and topographical effects to calculate regional risk levels in real time. Additionally, reflecting the trend of increasing typhoon intensity due to climate change, preemptive preparedness manuals for typhoons with paths similar to Typhoon Bavi have been strengthened starting in 2025. In particular, standards for disaster prevention facilities in the west coast regions have been raised, and early warning systems for typhoon strikes have been improved.
Related Topics
- [[Typhoon]]
- [[2020 Typhoons]]
- [[Typhoon Paths on the Korean Peninsula]]
- [[Meteorological Disasters]]
- [[Climate Change and Typhoons]]
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