Authorities in Seoul and surrounding areas remained on high alert Wednesday, as heavy snow was forecast throughout the larger capital region for the rest of the day.
As of 9 a.m., the Seoul metropolitan government had mobilized some 9,000 workers and 1,200 snow-removing vehicles and other equipment in response to a heavy snow alert that had been issued throughout the city. In addition, more buses and metro trains have been scheduled during peak commuting hours to alleviate transportation problems.
Heavy snow warnings have also been issued for much of the surrounding Gyeonggi Province, as well as for Seoul.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, snow began falling in the greater Seoul area about 8 a.m., with 1-3 centimeters of snow falling per hour predicted until 3 p.m., with 1-3 centimeters of snow falling per hour expected until 3 p.m. (KMA).
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, snowfall will increase heavier as snow clouds produced at the Yellow Sea move southeast at a speed of 40 kilometers per hour.
Many portions of the southern regions, including the southwestern Jeolla Provinces and inland areas of the southeastern Gyeongsang Provinces, may see more snowfall in the afternoon as the snowstorm intensifies.
Other sections of the country, including the eastern part of Gangwon Province and the southern part of Jeju Island, will experience snowfall during the night.
Snow accumulations of up to 7 cm are predicted in the central region, with accumulations of up to 20 cm likely in some areas of Gangwon Province, Ulleung Island in the southeastern region, and the easternmost islets of Dokdo.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued preliminary heavy snow alerts for the greater Seoul area and other central regions, including the northern section of Chungcheong Province.
As of 8 a.m., temperatures in Seoul were minus 6.7 degrees Celsius, minus 5.2 degrees Celsius in Incheon, minus 9.2 degrees Celsius in Daejeon, minus 6 degrees Celsius in Gwangju, minus 6.9 degrees Celsius in Daegu, and minus 0.9 degrees Celsius in Busan.
