SEOUL, NOV 27 – The capital of South Korea, Seoul, recorded the heaviest snowfall in November since more than 100 years ago, according to the Korea Meteorological Agency (KMA).
As of 7:00 am, KMA recorded 16.5 centimeters of snow, surpassing the previous record of 12.4 centimeters recorded on November 28, 1972. This was also the first snowfall of the season, marking the snowiest November since the weather observation station was established in 1907.
A heavy snow warning has been issued, urging residents to “avoid vehicle use and outdoor activities” and “be aware of the risk of fallen trees”. This warning is issued when snowfall exceeds 20 centimeters in a 24-hour period.
The heavy snow that hit the whole country also caused road accidents due to vehicles slipping on slippery roads. However, no serious injuries were reported.
The downed trees also caused power outages, affecting more than 150 households around Seoul in the morning.
Major roads were closed for maintenance, causing severe traffic congestion. Meanwhile, at least 22 domestic flights were canceled and several others were delayed, according to the Ministry of Transport.
President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered officials to “minimize damage and public inconvenience due to heavy snow,” with snow forecast expected to continue until tomorrow morning.
Youn Ki-han, Director of the Seoul Meteorological Forecasting Division, explained to AFP that the phenomenon is caused by “a significant temperature difference between the surface of the sea and the cold air”.
“In the Western Sea, moisture forms, and when the cold air from the north moves down as usual, if the Western Sea is also cold as in previous years, the temperature difference is smaller,” Youn said.
However, due to unusually warm temperatures in recent weeks, this difference has become more pronounced. – AFP