Seoul Heavy Snow Preliminary Warning... Snow Removal Measures at Level 2 Response

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 26th at 4 p.m. that it will enter an emergency snow removal duty system following the Korea Meteorological Administration's preliminary heavy snow warning for the entire Seoul area.

Snow removal work is being carried out at Gwanghwamun Square. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

In Seoul, snow is expected to begin falling from early morning (0?6 a.m.) on the 27th, with heavy snowfall between morning hours (6 a.m.?12 p.m.), accumulating 10 to 20 cm by the 28th. Additionally, temperatures will drop below freezing from the night of the 27th, raising concerns about icy roads.

The city will issue Snow Removal Measure Level 1 starting at 10 p.m. on the 26th to conduct equipment inspections and prepare in advance, and plans to upgrade to Level 2 from 7 a.m. on the 27th. Upon Level 2 activation, 9,685 personnel and 1,424 snow removal vehicles will be deployed to respond, carrying out snow removal operations such as spreading de-icing agents to melt snow or pushing accumulated snow off the roads.

Furthermore, automatic snow removal equipment such as heating wires and automatic brine spraying devices will be immediately activated in areas vulnerable to freezing. Patrols will be intensified at locations such as underground road entrances and exits and steep slopes to spread de-icing agents and prevent accidents caused by icy roads.

Han Byung-yong, Director of the Seoul Disaster and Safety Office, stated, "We will make every effort to respond thoroughly to the heavy snow in cooperation with autonomous districts and related agencies so that citizens can safely spend the Lunar New Year holiday. The Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters will operate 24 hours a day to ensure safety until the return journey." He added, "We also ask citizens to drive safely by reducing speed and maintaining safe distances between vehicles, and to cooperate in preventing damage by removing snow from roofs when heavy snowfall accumulates."

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