Cold Air from the North Brings Snow to All of Gwangju and South Jeolla
Disruptions in Maritime and Air Transportation as Strong Wind Advisories Expand
Severe Cold Continues Through the 26th; Caution Urged for Icy Roads and Safety
On the 25th, as temperatures dropped below freezing and the weather turned cold, children wearing Santa and Rudolph winter hats were walking in Gwanghwamun Square, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
On Christmas Day, December 25, cold air descending from the north brought both snow and strong winds to the Gwangju and South Jeolla regions. The worsening weather conditions also disrupted maritime and air transportation.
According to the Gwangju Regional Meteorological Administration, as of the afternoon, 0.3 cm of snow had accumulated in Boseong and Okhwa in Gokseong, and 0.1 cm in Dado, Naju. The Korea Meteorological Administration expects snow to continue until the morning of the 26th, forecasting 1 to 5 cm of accumulation in Gwangju and western South Jeolla, and 3 to 8 cm along the west coast of South Jeolla.
Strong winds are also blowing. A strong wind warning has been issued for Heuksando and Hongdo, and a strong wind advisory is in effect for 16 cities and counties in South Jeolla, including Goheung, Boseong, Yeosu, Gwangyang, Suncheon, Jangheung, Gangjin, Haenam, Wando, Yeongam, Muan, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, Mokpo, Shinan, and Jindo.
A strong wind warning is issued when sustained wind speeds of 21 m/s or higher, or gusts of 26 m/s or higher, are expected on land. A strong wind advisory is issued when sustained wind speeds of 14 m/s or higher, or gusts of 20 m/s or higher, are expected.
As weather conditions deteriorated, transportation restrictions continued. Of the 76 passenger ships on 51 routes to and from South Jeolla, 58 ships on 43 routes were suspended. Three flights from Yeosu to Jeju and Gimpo were also canceled.
A high seas warning is scheduled to be issued for the northern and southern offshore areas of the southern West Sea from 5:00 p.m. on December 25, requiring caution from vessels navigating or operating in these waters.
Additionally, from 6:00 p.m., a heavy snow preliminary advisory will be issued for Muan, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, and Shinan, and from 9:00 p.m., a cold wave advisory will be issued for Gokseong, Gurye, Hwasun, Goheung, Boseong, Gwangyang, and Suncheon.
On the morning of December 26, the lowest temperatures are forecast to range from minus 9 degrees Celsius to 2 degrees Celsius, and the highest daytime temperatures from minus 1 degree Celsius to 2 degrees Celsius, which is lower than the seasonal average.
An official from the Korea Meteorological Administration said, "Visibility will be reduced due to snow and rain, and many roads will be slippery. Please pay special attention to prevent accidents on icy roads, damage from strong winds, and health issues caused by the cold wave."
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