South Korea: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of the country through at least Dec. 22

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across much of South Korea through at least Dec. 22. A cold wave is expected to see minimum temperatures drop to around -19 to -5 C (-2 to 23 F) across the country Dec. 21-22. Strong winds and heavy snowfall are also expected in places; snowfall accumulations of up to 30 cm (12 inches) are possible on Jejju Island.

As of Dec. 20, the Korea Meteorological Administration has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Cold wave warning: Incheon and Seoul cities, much of Gyeonggi Province, and parts of eastern and northern Gangwon, central and northern North Chungcheong, and far northern North Gyeongsang provinces.

• Heavy snow warnings: Gwangju City and parts of eastern and northern South Jeolla Province.

• Cold wave advisories: Across much of the rest of central and northern South Korea not under cold wave warnings.

• Heavy snowfall advisories: Across eastern, northeastern, southwestern, and western regions, as well as Jeju Island.

• Strong wind advisories: Across eastern regions and Jeju Island.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Blizzard conditions are possible. Sporadic power outages are likely in the most severely affected areas.

The winter weather will probably cause ground transport disruptions across affected areas over the coming days. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to icy roads, snowfall accumulations, and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are likely along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in affected areas as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highways if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may topple high-profile vehicles. Flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, are likely amid ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports.