태풍 링링 한반도 강타... 강풍 피해 우려

Our top story today... Typhoon Lingling is inching closer toward the Korean Peninsula... and is already causing damage to the southern and western islands and the coastal areas.
As typhoon warnings are in place for the most parts of the country,... emergency authorities are strongly advising people to refrain from going outside.
To hear more about the powerful typhoon, we have our Kan Hyeong-woo, who is at the Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul.
Hyeong-woo, how's it looking?
Mok-yeon, as you can see... the wind is getting stronger by the minute. I came out here about an hour and a half ago. It wasn't as windy as it is right now. The maximum windspeed of Lingling has gone down a little compared to yesterday, but it's still powerful enough to uproot trees and flip over cars.
The maximum windspeed of the typhoon was over 160 kilometers per hour yesterday.
But according the Korea Meteorological Administration's forecast at 7 AM this morning, Typhoon Lingling's maximum windspeed was measured at 140 kilometers per hour.
Now if you look at the expected route of Lingling here,... it was still over the West Sea near the southwestern city of Mokpo at around 9 AM which is about an hour ago.
In about two hours, Lingling is forecast to be its closest to Seoul as the eye of the typhoon is expected to be some 140 kilometers away from here in the West Sea.
But Lingling is not likely to sweep through the capital city as it is predicted to move its way up into North Korea from the West Sea and go through Pyeongyang.
Weather experts are saying the biggest threat from Lingling is its strong winds, not the rainfall.
So Hyeong-woo, with such strong winds blowing towards the country,... what are some things that people can to do minimize the damage?
Well first and foremost, it's strongly advised that you do not go outside...with Typhoon Lingling expected to do the most damage today.
Now if you are in the storm's path,... keep your smartphone close and follow the news on the TV or the radio.
Again, stay indoors if possible,... but if you have to go out, keep away from construction sites and traffic lights.
If you are driving, drive slowly and do not take roads next to streams or rivers as the water level could increase rapidly and pose a threat.
If you live in an area where there might be a landslide or a flood, you should learn the community evacuation plan and how to get to the closest safe zone.
It's also important to have a first-aid kit at hand in case of emergency.
Experts say... according to research, taping the window panes does little to protect them from strong winds.
So, it's important to fasten the window by taping its frame instead.
If you apply a safety film, it can also minimize the damage from shattered glass.
When a typhoon hits, flooding is another common hazard.
So, it's important to check the sewers and drainage systems to make sure they are working properly.
But, if your property becomes flooded, do not go inside.