Seoul Experiences Record-Breaking November Snowfall, Leading to Widespread Disruptions.

Seoul: The heaviest snowfall for November in 117 years blanketed Seoul and surrounding regions on Wednesday, causing injuries, disrupting traffic, and cutting off power supplies. Authorities are on high alert for more snow later this week.According to Yonhap News Agency, Seoul received 18 centimeters of snow by 3 p.m., marking the largest November snowfall since modern weather observations began in 1907. This new record coincided with the first snow of the season in the capital. The previous record was 12.4 cm set on November 28, 1972, as reported by the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA).Neighboring regions also experienced significant snowfall. Incheon, located west of Seoul, recorded 14.8 cm, surpassing its previous November record of 8 cm set in 1972. Suwon, south of Seoul, received 21 cm, marking its highest November precipitation. Nationwide, snow and rain are forecasted until Thursday morning, with some regions expecting continued precipitation into Friday night.The interior ministry has e levated the operations of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to Level 2 and raised the heavy snow warning from "caution" to "alert." A heavy snow warning was issued in northeastern districts of Seoul, including Nowon, Seongbuk, and Dobong, where snowfall reached 20 cm within 24 hours.In Seoul's Songpa district, three individuals were injured when a snow fence collapsed due to the heavy snow. More than 170 households in Seongbuk experienced power outages as heavy snow caused trees to fall on telegraph poles and electric wires. In Gangwon Province, one person died, and nine were injured in car crashes due to the snow.Air travel was severely affected, with 150 flights canceled nationwide, including 71 at Incheon International Airport. The operation of 89 passenger ferries on 70 routes was halted, and entry to seven national parks was restricted.Authorities warned of traffic congestion and safety issues for pedestrians. Interior Minister Lee Sang-min directed officials to conduct t horough snow removal operations. The Seoul metropolitan government, starting at 7 a.m., began clearing snow in cooperation with district governments and agencies. Subway and bus operations were adjusted to accommodate extended rush hour services until the response level is lowered.