"On the Way Home, What to Do?" Snowfall Amid Strong Winds Raises Concerns of Road 'Freezing'

KMA "Central Region Mainly, Some Areas May Change to Rain or Snow"

Snow is falling at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 on Yeongjongdo Island, Incheon, on the 15th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] On the 15th, a heavy snow warning was issued in various parts of the central region, including Seoul. Traffic congestion during the evening commute is expected to be unavoidable due to road icing conditions.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the expected snowfall amounts are 3 to 8 cm in the metropolitan area, inland Gangwon, and inland Chungcheong regions, with more than 10 cm in some areas of inland Gyeonggi, inland Gangwon, and northern Chungbuk. The western coast of Chungnam, southern Chungbuk, Honam region, and inland Gyeongbuk are forecasted to receive 1 to 5 cm of snow.

As of 1 PM, the snowfall amounts in the metropolitan area are ▲Seoul 1.1 cm ▲Hwaseong 3.9 cm ▲Incheon 3.7 cm ▲Uiwang 3.0 cm ▲Cheongun (Yangpyeong) 2.4 cm ▲Ganghwa 2.2 cm. In Gangwon Province, ▲Yanggu 3.8 cm ▲Oechon (Cheorwon) 3.1 cm ▲Bukchuncheon 2.1 cm ▲Hwacheon 1.6 cm. In the Chungcheong area, ▲Dangjin 6.0 cm ▲Seosan 1.6 cm ▲Taean 0.5 cm were recorded.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted that snow accumulated on roads may freeze due to ongoing cold weather and urged caution for traffic safety.

The KMA explained, "Heavy and significant snowfall centered on the central region will expand the heavy snow warning, with some areas accumulating more than 10 cm. As temperatures rise during the day, some regions may see a change from snow to rain or sleet."

On the morning of the same day, a heavy snow advisory was issued for the metropolitan area, inland and mountainous Gangwon, and northern Chungnam. Areas under the advisory include Gwangmyeong, Gwacheon, Ansan, Siheung, Bucheon, Suwon, Seongnam, Anyang, Osan, Pyeongtaek, Gunpo, Uiwang, Hanam, Yongin, Icheon, Anseong, Hwaseong, Gwangju in Gyeonggi Province; the five western islands; all of Seoul except the northeastern area; and Incheon (excluding Ganghwa County). Heavy snow advisories were also issued for Taebaek, Yeongwol, Hoengseong, Wonju, and the plains of Pyeongchang and Jeongseon in Gangwon, as well as the central and southern mountainous areas of Gangwon.

On the 15th, when a heavy snow advisory was issued in various parts of the central region, citizens were moving while being hit by falling snow at Seoul City Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

On the 15th, as heavy snow advisories were issued for Seoul, Incheon, Sejong, Gyeonggi, Chungnam, and Gangwon in the central region, the government activated Level 1 of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters at 9 AM. The crisis alert level was raised from 'Interest' to 'Caution.' Level 1 is activated when heavy snow advisories are issued in four or more cities/provinces or heavy snow warnings are issued in three or more cities/provinces.

Lee Sang-min, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and head of the Central Disaster Headquarters, instructed related ministries and local governments to "thoroughly carry out snow removal operations using all available resources on vulnerable sections such as boundary and connecting roads between national highways and local roads, tunnel entrances and exits, bridges, and ramp sections to ensure smooth vehicle traffic."

Minister Lee also requested, "After clearing major roads, please thoroughly perform follow-up snow removal on side streets frequently used by residents, around subway stations and bus stops, and near schools and daycare centers."

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