Heavy Snow Emergency on the Commute Tomorrow... Up to 10cm in the Capital Region, Beware of Icy Roads in Subzero Temperatures

From early morning on Monday, the 2nd, heavy snow is expected to fall across most regions of the country, leading to traffic chaos during the commute. With subzero temperatures, the snow is likely to freeze, increasing the risk of accidents on icy roads.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 1st, due to the influence of a pressure trough accompanied by cold air in the upper atmosphere from the north, snow will begin in the capital region and inland mountainous areas of Gangwon from tonight. The snow clouds are expected to expand nationwide by early morning on the 2nd, but will mostly stop by mid-morning.

The Korea Meteorological Administration issued a heavy snow advisory for most regions of the country, including Seoul, at 9 PM that day. This snowfall is characterised by heavy precipitation in a short time due to thick snow clouds developed up to 3-5km in altitude. Depending on the region, record-breaking heavy snow of 1-3cm per hour, and up to 5cm in some areas, is expected.

The expected snowfall amounts are ▲ 5-10cm in inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon (over 15cm in mountainous areas) ▲ 3-10cm in the capital region ▲ 3-8cm in the Chungcheong region ▲ 2-7cm in western Jeonbuk, western Gyeongbuk, and western Gyeongnam inland ▲ 1-5cm in Jeonnam and Jeju Island.

In particular, heavy snow is expected to accumulate in the capital region and central areas from early Monday morning to the morning commute, requiring special caution against safety accidents such as public transport congestion and vehicle isolation. The morning low temperatures are forecasted to be between -10 degrees and 0 degrees, making it highly likely that the fallen snow will freeze, forming 'black ice' on roads.

A representative from the Korea Meteorological Administration stated, "With a large amount of snow accumulating before the commute, and low temperatures reducing visibility and making roads very slippery, we advise against using private vehicles and to use public transport for safety."

The snow is expected to stop mostly by mid-morning on the 2nd, starting from the capital region and Chungnam, while it will continue in Jeju Island until the afternoon. After the snow stops, weekday temperatures are expected to remain at normal levels, but cold weather around -10 degrees is forecasted to return from the weekend.