Rain, Strong Winds Sweep Nation; Heavy Snow Hits Gangwon Mountains

Rain and snow will fall across South Korea on Tuesday, with strong winds lowering wind chill temperatures. Accumulated snow and icy roads are expected to create slippery conditions in many areas.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, precipitation will continue until early morning in the central regions, Jeolla provinces, inland Daegu-North Gyeongsang, and the southern coast and western inland areas of South Gyeongsang. Rain or snow will persist until afternoon in other parts of Gyeongsang Province and Jeju Island, and until evening along Gangwon's east coast and mountain areas.

Expected rainfall ranges from 10-50mm in Gangwon's east coast and mountain regions, 5-30mm in Busan, Ulsan, South Gyeongsang, North Gyeongsang's east coast and northeastern mountains, and Jeju Island. The Jeolla provinces, inland Daegu-North Gyeongsang, and Ulleungdo-Dokdo will see 5-20mm, while inland Gangwon expects 5-15mm and the Seoul metropolitan and Chungcheong regions 5-10mm.

Snow accumulation is forecast at 10-30cm in Gangwon's mountain areas, with some locations exceeding 40cm. North Gyeongsang's northeastern mountains expect 10-20cm, while inland Gangwon and northern east coast areas will see 3-8cm, with some areas exceeding 10cm.

Northern and southeastern Gyeonggi Province and northeastern inland North Gyeongsang expect 2-7cm of snow. Northern Chungbuk, northeastern Jeonbuk, and western inland North Gyeongsang will see 1-5cm. Central and southern Gangwon east coast, central and southern Chungbuk, northern North Gyeongsang east coast, and western inland South Gyeongsang expect 1-3cm. Eastern inland South Jeolla will see approximately 1cm, while Seoul and Incheon expect less than 1cm.

Heavy, wet snow is expected in northern and southeastern Gyeonggi, inland and mountain areas of Gangwon, northern Gangwon east coast, and northeastern inland and mountain areas of North Gyeongsang. Hourly snowfall rates of 1-3cm, reaching approximately 5cm in some areas, may trigger expanded or intensified heavy snow advisories.

Morning low temperatures will range from -1 to 7 degrees Celsius, with afternoon highs of 5-15 degrees. These readings are above seasonal averages of -5 to 4 degrees for morning lows and 7-12 degrees for afternoon highs.

Morning lows in major cities are forecast at 2 degrees in Seoul, 2 in Incheon, 3 in Suwon, 0 in Chuncheon, 3 in Gangneung, 4 in Cheongju, 3 in Daejeon, 4 in Jeonju, 4 in Gwangju, 6 in Daegu, 7 in Busan, and 9 in Jeju. Afternoon highs will reach 12 degrees in Seoul, 11 in Incheon, 12 in Suwon, 10 in Chuncheon, 5 in Gangneung, 13 in Cheongju, 13 in Daejeon, 13 in Jeonju, 15 in Gwangju, 12 in Daegu, 12 in Busan, and 11 in Jeju.

Dense fog with visibility below 200 meters may develop in Gangwon's mountain areas due to low cloud cover. Strong winds with gusts exceeding 70km/h are expected along the western coast of South Chungcheong, eastern inland Jeolla, South Jeolla coast, southern North Gyeongsang east coast, South Gyeongsang coastal areas, and Jeju Island. Flight delays are possible, and travelers are advised to check flight information in advance.

"In areas with rain or snow, visibility will be reduced and roads will be slippery. Fallen rain and snow may freeze, creating icy patches on roads," the weather agency warned. "Please exercise extra caution for traffic safety and pedestrian safety during the morning commute."