Seoul's Dongbu Expressway reopens after 5-hour closure due to heavy rain

Seoul's Dongbu Expressway has fully reopened to traffic after a five-hour closure caused by torrential rain. The authorities lifted the complete traffic control on the entire stretch of the expressway, from Surak Underpass to Seongsu Junction, at 11:16 AM on July 18th.

The closure was implemented earlier that morning, at 5:37 AM, as heavy downpours caused the water level of the Jungnangcheon stream to rise significantly, posing a risk to the roadway. The rapid response aimed to ensure public safety by preventing vehicles from entering the affected area.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, Seoul is expected to receive between 10 to 60 millimeters of rain by July 19th. The forecast indicates that the rain will continue into Monday, July 20th, with an estimated rainfall of 20 to 60 millimeters for the Seoul metropolitan area.

Meanwhile, other areas in Seoul have also been affected by the severe weather. The Bulgwangcheon stream's walking path in Eunpyeong-gu was closed on July 18th due to the heavy rainfall, highlighting the widespread impact of the ongoing weather system across the capital.