South Korean capital hit by record November snowfall

SEOUL: South Korea´s capital was blanketed on Wednesday by the heaviest November snowfall since records began over a century ago, the weather agency said.

The Korea Meteorological Administration said 16.5 centimetres of snow fell by 7:00 am (2200 GMT Tuesday), compared to Seoul´s previous record of 12.4 cm on November 28, 1972.

Coincidentally being the first snow of the season in Seoul, it is the highest figure in November since the agency set up nationwide observation posts in 1907. A heavy snow warning urged residents to “refrain from operating vehicles and engaging in outdoor activities” and to “beware of falling trees”. Such warnings are issued when snowfall accumulates to 20 cm or more within 24 hours. As heavy snow fell nationwide, multiple accidents occurred due to vehicles sliding on icy roads, though no major injuries have been reported.

Falling trees caused power outages, affecting more than 150 households around Seoul in the morning.