Localized torrential downpours have hit Seoul and the surrounding areas over the weekend, causing flooding and killing at least three.

Heavy rain warnings and watches were issued Saturday in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon and Gangwon provinces as 225.5 millimeters of rainfall soaked the capital.

As of 2 p.m. Sunday, the accumulated rainfall in northern Gyeonggi Province reached 245 millimeters in Gapyeong, 216 in Namyangju, 201 in Yeoncheon and 198.5 in Pocheon. 

In Pocheon, northeast Gyeonggi Province, a 57-year-old man was found dead Sunday after being swept away in a strong current. Another 38-year-old woman was found dead by a flash flood on Saturday in Gapyeong.

Landslide watches were issued in parts of Seoul, including Jongno, Mapo and Seongdong.

Some roads and bridges including Jamsugyo Bridge were closed for safety reasons, along with the banks of Cheonggyecheon Stream and 96 routes in public parks. Flights and passenger ships ran as normal.

A total of 235 homes in Seoul were reported to be flooded and 104 residents in Eunpyeong, northern Seoul, were evacuated after the wall of a small block of apartments collapsed.

The rain front is forecast to stay in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province until Monday night, bringing up to 150 millimeters of continuous heavy rain, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.

The southern parts of the country are expected to be cloudy with some showers accompanying thunder and lightning on Monday. Temperatures are expected to vary from lows of 22-26 degrees Celsius to highs of 26-31 Celsius.

By Lee Hyun-jeong  (rene@heraldcorp.com)