Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea, recently experienced an extraordinary event that transformed the city into a winter wonderland. On Wednesday, November 2024, a record-breaking snowfall blanketed the metropolis, marking the heaviest November snowfall since weather records began in 1907.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported that 16.5 centimeters (6.5 inches) of snow had fallen by 7 AM, surpassing the previous record of 12.4 centimeters set on November 28, 1972.
This unexpected and severe weather brought the city to a virtual standstill, affecting transportation, infrastructure, and daily life in unprecedented ways.
A Historic Snowfall in Seoul
The historic snowfall, arriving as the first snow of the season, caught many residents and authorities off guard. While Seoul is no stranger to winter storms, the intensity and timing of this snow event were extraordinary. The KMA’s records reveal that this was the most significant November snowfall in over a century.
This event wasn’t limited to Seoul alone; much of South Korea experienced similar conditions, with central, eastern, and southwestern regions reporting between 10 and 23 centimeters of snow. The early onset of such heavy snow signals a potentially severe winter ahead, raising concerns about preparedness and resilience in the face of climate extremes.
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The snowstorm disrupted daily life in profound ways. Emergency services were inundated with calls about fallen trees, broken signs, and other hazards caused by the snow and wind. Authorities faced the daunting task of keeping roads clear and ensuring public safety in slippery conditions.
Record snowfall for November leads to casualties, disruption in Seoul#Snow #Heavy_snow #Snowfall #Rain #눈 #비 #폭설 #11월 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스 pic.twitter.com/XcsgZNcvdW
— Arirang News (@arirangtvnews) November 28, 2024
President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered the safety and transport ministries to deploy all available personnel and equipment to prevent traffic accidents and other snow-related incidents. His directive underscored the gravity of the situation and the potential risks posed by such an extraordinary weather event.
Transportation Chaos and Power Outages
One of the most immediate and visible impacts of the snowfall was the chaos it created in Seoul’s transportation network. The morning commute was severely affected, with icy roads causing significant delays and accidents. Commuters faced long waits and hazardous conditions as traffic crawled through the snow-covered streets.
Public transportation, including buses and trains, also experienced disruptions. Yonhap news agency reported a nine-minute delay on one of Seoul’s major subway lines during rush hour, highlighting the widespread impact on the city’s infrastructure.
Air travel was equally affected. At least 220 flights were grounded at airports across the country, stranding thousands of passengers and disrupting travel plans. Ferry services were also suspended, with about 90 ferries ordered to remain at port due to dangerous conditions.
This widespread disruption underscores the vulnerability of modern transportation systems to extreme weather events and the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining service continuity.
In addition to transportation issues, the snowfall caused power outages in several areas, leaving many households without electricity.
Emergency crews worked tirelessly to restore power and clear hazards, but the scale of the disruption highlighted the strain on infrastructure during extreme weather. These outages, combined with the risk of falling trees and debris, posed significant safety concerns for residents.
Impact on Daily Life and Safety Measures
The snowfall had a profound impact on daily life in Seoul and beyond. Schools and businesses were affected, with many people unable to reach their destinations due to the treacherous conditions.
Emergency workers were deployed across the country to respond to incidents involving fallen trees, signs, and other safety risks. The situation was particularly concerning in mountainous areas, where hundreds of hiking trails were closed to prevent accidents.
President Yoon’s swift response to the crisis was crucial in mitigating the impact. His order to mobilize all available resources emphasized the importance of a coordinated response in ensuring public safety.
Seoul experienced its heaviest November snowfall in over a century, with 16.5cm falling by Wednesday morning, surpassing the previous record of 12.4cm set in 1972. This marks the heaviest snowfall since records began in 1907.pic.twitter.com/pMTXcKaUSF
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) November 27, 2024
He also stressed the need for timely communication with the public, urging officials to convey weather and traffic information quickly to help citizens avoid snow-related damages and inconveniences. This proactive approach highlighted the importance of preparedness and communication in managing extreme weather events.
Despite these efforts, the snowfall did result in tragedy. In the eastern town of Hongcheon, one person was killed, and four others were injured in a five-vehicle accident.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by icy roads and the need for caution during severe weather. As the snowfall continued, authorities remained on high alert, focusing on preventing further accidents and ensuring the safety of residents.
The record snowfall in Seoul is more than just a weather anomaly; it raises important questions about climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
While winter storms are not uncommon in South Korea, the intensity and timing of this snowfall suggest that the climate may be becoming more unpredictable. This event serves as a reminder of the need for cities to prepare for a future in which extreme weather events could become more frequent and severe.
In response to the snowfall, Seoul’s infrastructure and emergency response systems faced a significant test. The city’s ability to manage such events will be critical in the coming years, particularly as climate change continues to pose new challenges.
Investments in infrastructure, early warning systems, and public awareness campaigns will be essential in ensuring that cities like Seoul can withstand future storms.
The snowfall also underscores the importance of community resilience. Residents and businesses must be prepared to adapt to changing conditions and support one another during times of crisis. This event highlighted the need for strong community networks and effective communication strategies to ensure that everyone can stay safe and informed during extreme weather.
For many people in Seoul, a record November snowfall on Wednesday felt like a sudden plunge into winter. The first and heaviest snowstorm of the season grounded flights and triggered a weather warning throughout the South Korean capital. https://t.co/QXZPbxv0HD pic.twitter.com/1pmFcwthad
— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 27, 2024
The historic snowfall that blanketed Seoul in November 2024 will be remembered as a defining moment in the city’s history. It disrupted daily life, tested infrastructure, and raised important questions about preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather.
The response from authorities, led by President Yoon Suk Yeol, demonstrated the importance of swift action and coordinated efforts in managing such crises.
As the snow continues to fall and the city recovers, the lessons learned from this event will be crucial in preparing for future challenges. Seoul’s experience serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the need for vigilance, preparedness, and community resilience.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏