For the first time this winter, about 5 centimeters of snow fell in the Seoul metropolitan area and central regions, causing inconvenience for commuters and travelers. Eight flights were canceled, and major roads in Seoul were closed, among other widespread effects.
According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCHQ) of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on the 5th, the CDSCHQ activated emergency level 1 as of 6 p.m. the previous day and raised the heavy snow alert from "attention" to "caution."
During the day, 6.2 centimeters fell in Hanam, Gyeonggi; 5.9 centimeters in Seoul; 5.3 centimeters in Gangwon; 3.9 centimeters in North Chungcheong; 3.6 centimeters in South Chungcheong; 3.1 centimeters in Sejong; and 1.4 centimeters in Incheon, with snow centered on the central regions.
As a result, four departures each at Gimpo Airport and Jeju Airport were canceled, and four passenger ferries also halted operations on four routes: Baengnyeong–Socheong, Baengnyeong–Incheon, Incheon–Guleop, and Incheon–Baengnyeong. Roads were closed at 22 locations in Seoul, including the Naebu Expressway, Bukbu Arterial Road, and Gangbyeonbuk-ro, plus one each in Incheon and Gyeonggi, for a total of 24. There were no casualties or facility damages. Fire authorities carried out 206 rescue operations, including 193 for everyday safety and 13 for emergency medical transport.
The heavy snow advisory issued nationwide at 10 p.m. the previous day has been lifted, but snow clouds moving quickly to the southeast are expected to bring around 1 centimeter of snow per hour to North and South Chungcheong, North Jeolla, and North Gyeongsang. Cold wave advisories are in effect for Yeoncheon and Pocheon in Gyeonggi; Pyeongchang, Hoengseong, Cheorwon, Hwacheon, Hongcheon, and Yanggu in Gangwon; the mid-southern and northern mountainous areas of Gangwon; and the northeastern mountains of North Gyeongsang.
The CDSCHQ instructed relevant agencies to promptly communicate snow removal and control information to prevent traffic congestion and accidents. It also called for thorough snow clearing on pedestrian paths such as alleys and sidewalks, placement of de-icing agents in key sections, safety inspections of structures vulnerable to snow load, protection of vulnerable groups, and operation of cold wave shelters.
So far, 2,896 disaster risk alert text messages have been sent to areas under heavy snow advisories, and four disaster caption broadcasts have aired. A total of 1,618 personnel are on emergency duty at six city and provincial regional disaster and safety countermeasures headquarters.
The CDSCHQ urged, "Please check weather information frequently and strictly follow public action guidelines, such as conducting snow removal at safe times."