Typhoon Lingling approaches South Korea

A powerful typhoon is quickly moving northward to South Korea, with the country's southernmost island of Jeju bracing for the storm to make landfall on Friday.

Typhoon Lingling, this year's 13th, passed over seas southwest of Jeju at a speed of 19 kph at noon, according to the Korea Meteorological Association.

Its central pressure was 945 hectopascals, and the maximum wind speed near its centre 162 kph. Strong gusts like this can topple cars and ships, and uproot trees, reports Yonhap News Agency.

The weather agency warned that the wind speed may peak at 200 kph in some island areas.

"Record-breaking winds will be seen at islands and southern and western coastal areas," the weather agency said, advising local governments and residents to take precautionary measures.

Ocean routes also have been blocked, with most of the 14 passenger ships that operate between Jeju and other parts of the country cancelled.