South Korea: Adverse winter weather forecast across eastern and southern regions through at least Feb. 6

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across much of eastern and southern South Korea through at least Feb. 6. As of Feb. 5, the Korea Meteorological Administration has issued heavy snow warnings (higher level on a two-tier scale) across eastern Gangwon and far northeastern North Gyeongsang provinces and heavy snow advisories across central, southwestern, and southeastern Gangwon, far western North Gyeongsang, and far western South Gyeongsang provinces. Strong wind advisories are in place across Jeju, far southern South Gyeongsang, and far southern South Jeolla provinces, as well as Busan and Ulsan metropolitan cities. 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.