Heavy Snow Advisory Issued for 18 Locations in Gwangju and Jeonnam, 8 in Jeonbuk
Snowfall of 5 to 15 cm... Most Areas Under Traffic Restrictions
On the 28th, one day before Lunar New Year, heavy snow warnings were issued across Gwangju and the entire Jeonnam and Jeonbuk regions, causing disruptions on the homecoming roads due to traffic controls. Yonhap News
Across Gwangju and the entire Jeonnam and Jeonbuk regions, more than 32 cm of heavy snow has accumulated on the day before Lunar New Year's Day. With heavy snow warnings issued for most areas, transportation restrictions are causing disruptions for those traveling to visit family for the holiday.
The Gwangju Meteorological Administration issued a heavy snow advisory at 9:10 a.m. for Gwangju and 18 cities and counties in Jeonnam (Naju, Damyang, Gokseong, Gurye, Jangseong, Hwasun, Boseong, Suncheon, Jangheung, Gangjin, Haenam, Wando, Yeongam, Muan, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, Shinan, Jindo), as well as 8 cities and counties in Jeonbuk (Gochang, Buan, Gunsan, Gimje, Wanju, Iksan, Jeongeup, Jeonju).
Snow accumulation has reached 32.0 cm at Seolcheonbong in Muju, 21.6 cm at Bokheung in Sunchang, 20.6 cm in Jangsu, 19.8 cm at Baemsagol in Namwon, and 8.1 cm at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology.
Gwangju and Jeonnam are expected to see 5 to 15 cm of additional snowfall through the 29th, with the southern part of Jeonnam expecting 3 to 8 cm. Jeonbuk is forecast to receive 5 to 15 cm, with some areas potentially exceeding 20 cm.
Traffic restrictions continued throughout the day. Five steep mountain pass sections in Jeonnam?Nogodan in Gurye, Dumojae in Jindo, Dotjae and Sakjae in Hwasun, and Dabujae in Mokpo?are currently closed, and four hiking trails, including those in the eastern part of Mudeungsan and Wolchulsan, are partially restricted.
As of 8 a.m., three flights to and from Jeju and Gimpo at Yeosu Airport have been canceled. At sea, due to strong winds and high waves, 59 passenger ships on 43 routes serving island areas in Jeonnam have been canceled.
As the heavy snow warning has expanded in Jeonbuk, the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters has activated emergency level 2, and has closed four road sections (24.2 km) including Deokja-Samgeo in Muju and Jeongnyeongchi in Namwon, as well as 12 hiking trails, 139 routes, 331 camping sites, and all five passenger ship routes including Gunsan-Gaeya.
An official from the Korea Meteorological Administration said, "With heavy snow accumulating in most parts of Honam, icy roads and black ice are likely to occur in many areas, so please pay special attention to traffic safety and securing visibility."
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