'Widespread Paralysis, Isolation, and Severe Congestion', Multiple Damages from Heavy Snow in Gangwon (Comprehensive)

Traffic Accidents and Road Closures Cause Vehicle Stranding on Expressways and National Roads
40cm Snow Forecast Until the 2nd... Gangwon Local Governments Begin Emergency Operations

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter La Youngcheol] On the last day of the March 1st holiday, the 1st, snow and rain fell across Gangwon Province, causing traffic congestion on many roads and isolating vehicles in some sections, resulting in numerous heavy snow-related damages.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration and Gangwon Fire and Disaster Headquarters on the 1st, some sections of the Donghae Expressway were completely closed, and mountain roads were cut off by heavy snow in various places.

The Meteorological Administration forecasted 10 to 40 cm of snow mainly in Yeongdong until the afternoon of the 2nd, and 3 to 15 cm of snowfall in the Yeongseo region.

Currently, hundreds of vehicles are trapped in heavy snow over a 2 km section from Sokcho Interchange to Bukyangyang Interchange.

Road management authorities and police are allowing isolated vehicles to pass toward Sokcho while simultaneously conducting snow removal operations.

Near Nohak 1 Bridge and Nohak 2 Bridge on the Donghae Expressway in Sokcho, vehicles unable to climb the hill and various minor collisions have caused traffic jams.

Due to heavy snowfall since the morning, the Misiryeong East-West Passage Road has been closed to traffic from 2 p.m. for snow removal work, with vehicles being diverted to the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway Sokcho IC.

The police and Misiryeong East-West Passage Road Co., Ltd. opened the central guardrail to move vehicles trapped on the uphill lane to the downhill lane.

As of 4 p.m. on the same day, the police have restricted vehicles without winter equipment from operating on National Road 44 between Hangyeryeong Nonhwa Intersection and Hangye Intersection (38.2 km) and on National Road 46 between Jinbureong Gwangsan Elementary School and Yongdae Samgeori (25.3 km).

The road toward Anbandegiro in Wangsang-myeon, Gangneung City, was also closed from the afternoon, and Geumdaebong-gil in Gohan-eup, Jeongseon County, was fully closed in both directions.

Numerous traffic accidents, both minor and major, occurred due to the heavy snow. From 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the same day, a total of 460 traffic accidents were reported, with 47 people transported to hospitals for treatment.

At around 1:54 p.m., a passenger car caught fire and was completely burned on the shoulder near Hongcheon on the Central Expressway heading toward Busan, and at around 11:52 a.m., a three-car collision on the Seoul-Yangyang Expressway in Seomyeon, Yangyang County, resulted in two injuries.

At around 10:49 a.m., five people were injured in a rear-end collision near Wonchang Tunnel on the Central Expressway in Dongsan-myeon, Chuncheon City.

Additionally, at around 12:30 p.m., about 100 tons of falling rocks occurred on the road near the Mermaid Statue at Uiamho Lake in Chuncheon City, and recovery work was carried out.

Fortunately, no casualties occurred as there was no vehicle traffic at the time of the rockfall.

According to the Gangwon Regional Meteorological Administration, heavy snow warnings are currently in effect for the central and northern mountain areas, Yanggu, Gangneung, Yangyang, Goseong, Inje, Sokcho plains, Hwacheon, and Cheorwon areas.

Heavy snow advisories have been issued for the southern mountain areas, Jeongseon, Samcheok, Donghae, Pyeongchang, Hongcheon plains, Hoengseong, Chuncheon, and Taebaek.

As of 6 p.m. on the same day, snowfall amounts were 44.4 cm at Misiryeong, 39.9 cm at Jinbureong, 29.8 cm at Seorak-dong, 21.7 cm at Goseong Hyeonnae, 32.2 cm at Yanggu Haean, and 24.1 cm at Hongcheon Guryongryeong.

The Meteorological Administration expects 10 to 40 cm of snow mainly in Yeongdong until the afternoon of the 2nd, and 3 to 15 cm of snowfall in Yeongseo.

Currently, cities and counties in Gangwon Province are conducting emergency mobilization and snow removal operations.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety has entered Level 2 emergency operations at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for heavy snow response.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.