Seoul’s worst snowstorm since 1972 disrupts travel across South Korea
Seoul’s first snow of the season turned into a historic November snowstorm, dumping record-breaking snow over Seoul on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Snow cover in Seoul after the worst snowstorm in 52 years. Image credit: Disasters Daily
The first snow of the season brought the worst November snowstorm to Seoul on Wednesday, November 27. At 07:00 local time (LT), the city recorded approximately 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) of snow, breaking its previous November snow record of 12.4 cm (4.9 inches), set on November 28, 1972. This marked the highest November snowfall in Seoul since records began in 1907.
Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported that 20 cm (7.8 inches) of snow fell in northern Seoul and surrounding areas, while the central, eastern, and southwestern regions recorded approximately 10 – 23 cm (3.9 – 9.1 inches). A heavy snow warning was issued in several regions, urging citizens to avoid travel, limit vehicle use, and stay alert for falling trees.
Approximately 150 homes in Seoul experienced power outages on Wednesday morning due to fallen trees. Several accidents occurred as a result of heavy snow accumulation on roads, and main roads were closed for maintenance, causing significant traffic congestion.
Travel across South Korea was severely disrupted, with at least 220 flights canceled nationwide and 90 ferries ordered to remain at the port. Additionally, hundreds of hiking trails were closed due to the snow.
The snowfall resulted from a significant temperature difference between the sea surface and cold air, explained Youn Ki-han, Director of Seoul’s Meteorology and Forecast Division.
“Over the West Sea, moisture forms, and when cold air from the north moves down, as it typically does, the temperature difference is smaller if the West Sea is also cold, as in previous years,” said Youn. “The strong snow was consistently carried by the westerly winds, pushing it into the Seoul metropolitan area,” he added.
Snowfall is forecast to continue across most of the country until Thursday noon, November 28, with an additional 20 cm (7.8 inches) expected in Seoul.
References:
1 South Korean capital hit by record November snowfall: weather agency – France 24 – November 27, 2024
2 Worst November snowstorm in half century hits Seoul and grounds hundreds of flights – AP – November 27, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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