Severe Snow Hits South Korea Amid Weather Warnings

Heavy snow is falling across South Korea today, March 18, 2025, as snow clouds from the West Sea blanketed the country. Officials have issued heavy snow warnings and advisories for several regions, signaling commuters to take extra precautions.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, heavy snowfall is anticipated with rates reaching 3 to 5 centimeters per hour. The areas expecting the most snow include the mountainous regions of Gangwon, where accumulations may exceed 40 centimeters. Other forecasts predict 20 centimeters of snow for northern Gyeongsang Province and 5 to 8 centimeters for the Seoul metropolitan area.

Strong winds accompany the snow, with nationwide gusts expected to peak at over 20 meters per second, particularly impacting Jeju Island and western regions. A gale warning has also been issued, with wave heights reaching up to 5.5 meters.

Many regions, including Daejeon, Sejong, and South Chungcheong Province, face warnings of both heavy snow and strong winds today. The heavy snow advisories predict snowfalls between 3 to 10 centimeters, especially concentrated at rates of 3 to 5 centimeters per hour until the afternoon.

The current temperature readings show Daejeon at around 0 degrees Celsius, with the wind chill making it feel significantly colder. The expected highs today are modest, with Seoul predicted to reach just 7 degrees Celsius.

Weather conditions have prompted the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to activate Stage 1 of its emergency response, increasing the heavy snow crisis alert level from 2Attention2 to 2Caution.2

By the afternoon, the snow is expected to taper off from the western regions, providing some relief, but ice and slippery roads remain concerns for commuters. The forecast for tomorrow indicates clearer weather should prevail from the morning, allowing conditions to stabilize as we approach the cherry blossom season.

The cherry blossom season is anticipated to commence by the end of this week as temperatures are expected to recover to normal averages for this time of year. The Korea Meteorological Administration advises everyone to dress warmly due to the persistent chill and to take care on the roads as hazardous conditions are likely.

With these intense weather patterns gripping the nation, citizens are reminded to stay updated with weather alerts and to prioritize safety during this harsh winter weather.