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, 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.
Falling trees caused power outages, affecting more than 150 households around Seoul in the morning. Main roads were closed for maintenance, leading to severe traffic congestion, while at least 22 domestic flights were cancelled, and several others were delayed, according to the transport ministry. President Yoon Suk Yeol called on officials to "minimise potential damage and public inconvenience caused by the snow," as the heavy snowfall is expected to continue until Thursday morning. — AFP
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