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

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

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

The Korea Meteorological Administration issued a heavy snow advisory for most regions of the country, including Seoul, at 9 PM on the same day. This snow is characterized by heavy precipitation in a short time due to thick snow clouds developed up to 3-5 km in altitude. Depending on the region, record-breaking heavy snow of 1-3 cm per hour, and up to 5 cm 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 temperature is 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 morning commute and low temperatures, visibility will be short and the roads will be very slippery," and urged, "Please refrain from using private vehicles and use public transport for safety."

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