As heavy snow advisories were issued for four cities and provinces, including Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Gangwon, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) activated level 1 of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCHQ).
At 6 p.m. on the 4th, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) raised the heavy snow crisis alert by one level, from "attention" to "caution," and went into a full response posture. The heavy snow crisis alert has four levels: attention–caution–alert–serious.
Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Chief Yoon Ho-jung (Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS)) directed, "As the first snow of this winter fell in Seoul, thoroughly carry out snow removal to prevent rush-hour traffic congestion and slipping accidents, and actively promote reduced speeds on snowy and icy roads." He also ordered snow removal on pedestrian routes such as alleyways and sidewalks, and said snow-melting agents should be portioned out and stocked in snow-melting boxes so local residents can use them effectively.
In particular, with temperatures likely to drop sharply in the early morning hours, he urged officials to review protection measures for vulnerable groups such as older adults living alone and residents of single-room communities, and to ensure there are no disruptions in operating cold wave shelters. The Minister said, "Check weather information frequently and follow safety guidelines, such as conducting snow removal during daylight hours in a safe environment."
Meanwhile, during the evening commute in the greater Seoul area, more than 5 centimeters of snow per hour fell, prompting the first dispatch of a "heavy snow disaster text" warning of traffic congestion. The Korea meteorological Administration began a pilot program for heavy snow disaster texts on the 1st in the greater Seoul area; Daejeon; Sejong; South Chungcheong; and North Jeolla, and this was the first case.
Heavy snow disaster texts are sent when ▲ 5 centimeters or more of new snow accumulates in one hour, or ▲ when 20 centimeters or more accumulates in 24 hours and, at the same time, 3 centimeters or more accumulates in one hour. The criteria reflect situations with a high risk of traffic accidents and a high possibility of facility collapse, respectively.
Although it is still early winter and temperatures are not as low as midwinter, the influx of strong cold air from the northwest destabilized the atmosphere, and thunder and lightning occurred along with snow. Thunder and lightning accompanying midwinter snow are rare.