Tue Nov 26 11:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Heavy Snow and Sleet Expected Across South Korea, Travel Disruptions Predicted

**Seoul, South Korea** – South Korea is bracing for heavy snowfall and potential travel chaos as a significant winter storm system moves across the country. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has issued warnings for significant snowfall, particularly in Gangwon Province, where up to 30 centimeters of accumulation is possible in mountainous areas.

Snow began falling in some areas on Friday, with hail reported in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province. The KMA attributes the storm to a mass of frigid air (-40°C or lower) swirling 5km above the Korean peninsula, leading to the development of low-pressure systems and troughs. While rain was initially widespread on Friday, it quickly transitioned to snow in many central regions, including parts of Gangwon (excluding the east coast) and North Jeolla.

The heaviest snowfall is expected to begin Friday night and continue through Sunday. The KMA forecasts the following accumulations:

* **Gangwon Mountainous Regions:** 10-20cm (up to 30cm in some areas)
* **Gangwon Inland, Eastern & Southwestern Gyeonggi, Jeju Mountainous Regions:** 5-15cm (up to 20cm in some areas)
* **Northeast Gyeongsang Mountainous Regions, Chungcheongbuk-do:** 5-10cm (up to 15cm in northern Chungcheongbuk-do)
* **Eastern Jeolla:** 3-10cm (up to 15cm in some areas)
* **Seoul, Incheon, Western & Northwestern Gyeonggi:** 3-8cm (up to 10cm in some areas)
* **West Sea Islands, Daejeon, Sejong, South Chungcheong, Western Inland Gyeongsang & Gyeongsangnam-do:** 2-7cm

Other areas will see lighter snowfall. A heavy snow warning is already in effect for Taebaek and the central and southern mountainous regions of Gangwon Province. The KMA warns that heavy snowfall, potentially reaching 1-3cm per hour, is expected in several regions during peak commute times Saturday and Sunday morning, potentially leading to severe traffic disruptions.

While snow is the primary concern, rain and snow mix is possible during warmer daytime hours. Total precipitation is expected to be 5-20mm or 5-30mm across most regions over the weekend. Authorities urge residents to prepare for the severe weather and potential travel difficulties.

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