Major Spring Storm Developing For Korea, Japan

By Evan Duffey, Meteorologist

Apr 1, 2012; 4:57 AM ET

While high pressure is leading to calm weather across Korea today, and flurries are occurring across Japan, a major spring storm is currently in the works.
During the day on Monday, local time, a trough will be making its way across eastern China and Manchuria. When it reaches the Yellow Sea, it will take advantage of the warmth and moisture there, and will develop a strong surface storm rather quickly. Many meteorologists refer to these rapidly developing coastal storms as "bombs", because they deepen so quickly.
On Monday, while the storm is over the Yellow Sea, rain will develop across northeastern China, Manchuria, and Korea. Snow will not be widespread, but will be possible on the back of the system, especially in the higher terrain.
Overnight the storm will be pulling northeast towards the Sea of Japan, where the storm will continue to develop. As the storm spins up over the water, torrential rain can be expected across Japan, as well as the Sikhote-Alin Mountains of Russia.
The wind will most likely be coming down sideways as well, thanks to sustained winds over 30 mph, with wind gusts above 50 mph. As the wind picks up damage may be done to poorly designed or temporary structures.
Temperatures across Japan will continue to drop throughout the day. By Tuesday night, snow will be falling across the higher terrain in the center of the nation.
On top of the heavy rain, a warm push ahead of the storm will work to melt snow in the mountains, and the combination of snowmelt and rainfall may be too much for streams and rivers, leading to flooding concerns across Japan.

Major Spring Storm Developing For Korea, Japan