The Fury of the Storm

All of Korea was braced for the worst today as Typhoon Bolaven, which had hit Okinawa hard, approached from the south.  It was billed as one of the strongest typhoons to pass through these parts in the past fifty years.  Today's school closures were announced yesterday pretty much nationwide in anticipation of the big blow.  Stacey and I scurried into a small grocery market last evening to purchase some food staples just in case we couldn't or didn't want to venture out today.  The place was packed with shoppers.  We bumped into one of Stacey's colleagues who has lived here four years and she said, up until now, she had never seen so much as a line at the checkout. 

Reports coming out indicate substantial wind and water damage and widespread power outages on the southern tip of the Korean peninsula and Jeju Island.  Morning hours here in Seoul brought moderate rainfall and light to moderate winds.  The wind speeds have picked up during the afternoon.  I would estimate gusts up to 50 mph but I don't see any evidence of  damage in our neighborhood although, I must add, I haven't been out and about.  Buses are running and there is light traffic.  Delivery vans from local markets have stopped by our apartment complex today so it takes much more than a typhoon to bring an absolute halt to commerce in Korea.

Stacey and I were entertained earlier watching misplaced, open umbrellas  and assorted pieces of trash go airborn over the courtyard area out our living room window.  The wind would gust scooping the items up and away they would sail toward the heavens.  A small styrofoam cooler rose nearly to the rooftop twenty stories up before catching a downdraft and plummeting to earth.  It doesn't take much to amuse once people reach and exceed the half century mark.

So, today here has the feel of a winter blizzard back in Wisconsin minus the snow and bitter cold.  We could head outdoors if necessary but it's just more comfortable staying in.  And, here, a body would run the slight risk of being struck by a flying object.  The storm pushes northward as I write and the fury of the wind seems to be abating.  We seem to have dodged the proverbial bullet.