Snowy trees line the old Yeongdong Expressway section near Daegwallyeong in Gangneung, Gangwon Province on Dec 11. - Photo: Yonhap
SEOUL: A cold wave and heavy snow will hit South Korea Saturday (Dec 21), with up to 10 centimeters of snowfall predicted for some areas in the central region, according to the weather agency Friday (Dec 20).
Snow was expected to begin falling along the western coast Friday and could spread to most parts of the country by Saturday, said the Korea Meteorological Administration.
Predicted snowfall ranges from 10-30 cm for Ulleungdo and Dokdo, 5-20 cm for Jeju Island’s mountainous regions, and 3-10 cm for southern Gangwon Province and eastern North Jeolla Province.
Southern and northeastern Gyeonggi Province and northern areas of North Chungcheong Province may see 3-8 cm.
Most of Seoul and surrounding areas are expected to receive 1-5 cm.
Gwangju, Daegu, and parts of southern North Gyeongsang Province and South Gyeongsang Province are forecast to receive less than 1 cm of snow, according to the KMA.
A cold front from the northwest will drive temperatures significantly lower starting on Saturday.
Morning lows are forecast to drop by 5-10 degrees Celsius by Sunday, with accompanying strong winds expected to amplify the chill, the KMA warned.
To implement a proactive emergency response system, the government said it has held a countermeasure meeting on Friday, with representatives from central government agencies, 17 provinces and cities, and related organisations attending.
While monitoring the weather in real-time, the government ordered related ministries and municipalities to identify vulnerable facilities prone to damage such as collapse, tipping, traffic congestion, and isolation as well as slipping hazards.
The government reiterated its commitment to minimising disruptions and ensuring public safety during the forecasted heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. - The Korea Herald/ANN
