On the third day of the Lunar New Year holiday, which is the 27th, heavy snowfall is forecast across the country, raising concerns about potential damage caused by 'wet snow,' which is heavier than dry snow.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, 10 to 20 cm of snow is expected to fall in the metropolitan area over the next two days (with some areas in southern and northeastern Gyeonggi expected to see more than 25 cm). In particular, over 30 cm of snow is anticipated in North Jeolla and Gangwon provinces.
Wet snow is characterized by being heavy and containing more moisture, typically 2 to 3 times heavier than regular snow. When 50 cm of heavy wet snow accumulates, its weight is estimated to reach 30 tons, similar to having 30 one-ton utility poles on top.
A proper concrete building can withstand some level of weight, but structures such as dwellings, warehouses, and greenhouses built with sandwich panels may be vulnerable to wet snow.
Recent cases show that on the morning of November 28 last year, a man in his 60s was killed when he was crushed by a fallen tree while clearing snow in front of a standalone house in Baekam-myeon of Cheoin-gu, Yongin, and a man in his 50s was injured when an aluminum painting warehouse collapsed in Danwon-gu, Ansan, while he was working on snow removal.
In Hoengseong and Wonju of Gangwon Province, trees that could not withstand the weight of the snow fell and struck utility poles, cutting electricity for hundreds of households in the area.
In this regard, experts advise against approaching streets lined with trees and aging buildings or greenhouses, as they may collapse under the heavy snow.
Particularly, when wet snow, which is 2 to 3 times heavier than regular snow, accumulates significantly, it can exert excessive weight on structures, so it is necessary to sweep the snow away frequently.
Additionally, inspections of structures vulnerable to wet snow, such as greenhouses, are also necessary.