South Korea’s capital experienced its heaviest November snowfall in more than half a century on Wednesday, causing widespread disruptions. The storm blanketed Seoul with 7.8 inches of snow, grounding flights, halting ferries, and snarling traffic.
The South Korean weather agency reported the storm as the heaviest since November 1972, when 4.7 inches fell on the capital.
The snow extended across central, eastern, and southwestern regions, with accumulations ranging from 3.9 to 9 inches.
The unseasonal storm caused significant disruptions, grounding at least 220 flights and delaying others at airports nationwide. Authorities also ordered 90 ferries to remain docked and closed hundreds of hiking trails.
Ahn Young-joon
The icy conditions made commuting in Seoul especially hazardous, slowing traffic and stranding vehicles. Emergency workers responded to numerous incidents involving fallen trees, damaged signs, and blocked roads, working tirelessly to address emergencies.
Fatal Accident Highlights Storm’s Dangers
Amid the chaos, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported a fatal accident in the eastern town of Hongcheon. A five-vehicle collision left one person dead and four others injured, underscoring the dangers posed by the treacherous road conditions.
While the morning commute in Seoul was severely disrupted, the storm’s effect stretched nationwide. Officials warned that snowfall would likely continue across most regions until Thursday afternoon, raising concerns about further traffic and safety challenges.
Additional reports of minor accidents highlighted the widespread effects of the storm on public and private transportation systems.
Lee Jin-man/AP Photo
President Yoon Mobilizes Resources
President Yoon Suk Yeol called on the safety and transport ministries to deploy all available personnel and equipment to prevent accidents and minimize the snowstorm’s affect. Yoon also directed officials to provide up-to-date weather and traffic information to ensure public safety and convenience, according to the presidential office.
The storm’s unprecedented severity caught many off guard, particularly in areas unaccustomed to such conditions this early in the winter season.
In Seoul, city officials worked to clear roads, restore essential services, and reduce further risks. Snowplows and salt trucks were dispatched across affected regions to keep roads as navigable as possible during the ongoing storm.
Commuters Brace for Continued Snowfall
With forecasts predicting continued snow until noon on Thursday, commuters across the capital and other affected regions prepared for another day of challenging conditions.
Emergency crews remained on high alert.
Ahn Young-joon/AP Photo
Public transit systems faced overcrowding while travelers opted to avoid driving on treacherous roads, further highlighting the storm’s affect.
This historic snowstorm serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns in South Korea, highlighting the need for improved preparedness and comprehensive emergency response plans to better handle future disruptions of this scale.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
