Snowstorm Warning Issued for Seoul Area at 9 AM on the 28th, Snow Removal Raised to Level 2
2-7cm Heavy Snow Forecast, Snowfall Expected to Start Around 10 AM with Intense Snow for a Short Period
On the 18th, when a heavy snow warning was issued across the country, officials are clearing snow at Seoul Station. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] According to the Korea Meteorological Administration's announcement at 4 a.m. on the 28th, snowfall is expected to begin around 9 a.m. in the Seoul area, with 2 to 7 cm of snow forecasted, prompting a heavy snow advisory. In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will upgrade snow removal operations from Level 1 to Level 2 starting at 9 a.m.
At 32 snow removal task forces including the Seoul city government, snow removal agents were pre-loaded and deployed on-site from 5 a.m. in anticipation of the snowfall forecast. Snow removal operations, including pre-application of snow removal agents at vulnerable points, have been carried out to ensure immediate response once snowfall begins.
To prepare for traffic congestion, the city will deploy traffic police officers to vulnerable locations immediately upon snowfall and has requested cooperation from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to enable traffic control in vulnerable sections during heavy snow. Traffic police will be stationed at 221 vulnerable locations such as mountain roads, curves, and bridge ramps.
To prevent congestion during rush hour, the city will extend the intensive dispatch period for public transportation by 30 minutes. The intensive dispatch period will be extended from the usual 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. to 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Information on road closures and bus detours due to heavy snow will be promptly provided through Variable Message Signs (VMS) on roads and Bus Information Terminals (BIT) at bus stops. Additionally, updates can be checked on the Seoul Transportation Information Center’s TOPIS website (http://topis.seoul.go.kr/) and Twitter (@seoultopis).
Han Je-hyun, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Safety Headquarters, stated, “Since a large amount of snow is forecasted to fall in a short period, we will make every effort to carry out snow removal operations to minimize inconvenience to citizens.” He also urged citizens to use public transportation and actively participate in “clearing snow in front of their homes and stores” to prevent slip accidents caused by ice.
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