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Heavy snow, cold wave continue to impact S. Korea; two accident fatalities reported

2025/02/07 17:00

Those here in Korea witnessed intense snowfall yesterday that disrupted the trip back home and the freezing temperatures overnight made the commute to work this morning equally as treacherous with some regions recording more snow today. Park Kun-woo reports. Heavy snow and a cold wave are continuing to affect South Korea. On Friday morning, snowfall even reached 3 to 8 centimeters per hour in many areas, leading to the accumulation of up to around 15 centimeters of snow in some regions of Jeolla-do Province. Snow from the previous night, combined with sub-zero temperatures dropping below minus ten degrees Celsius, led to multiple accidents on icy roads. A cargo truck driver in their 70s died in a crash after skidding and colliding with another truck on the Seohaean Expressway in Dangjin, Chungcheongnam-do Province. A passenger in the truck sustained minor injuries. Another fatality occurred in Hongcheon-gun County, Gangwon-do Province the night before when a person, also in their 70s, was hit by a tow truck dispatched earlier to clear another accident. Due to harsh weather conditions, over 100 flights from Jeju to other domestic airports were canceled as of Friday at 3 PM. Around 90 ferries were also canceled, while roads and mountain trails were closed. The Korea Meteorological Administration urged the public to remain careful about safety and personal health. It also forecast the cold wave to begin easing next week. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

[Weather] It will get colder tomorrow, snow in some areas

2025/02/07 17:00

Most of the snow that fell in the Seoul metropolitan area this morning has stopped, but the Chungcheong-do and Jeolla-do provinces are seeing heavy snow again. Heavy snow advisories for Seoul have been lifted, but heavy snow warnings are still in place, mainly in southern Gyeonggi-do Province, and the Chungcheong-do and Jeolla-do provinces. By tomorrow, heavy snow is expected to be more than 15 centimeters in the Chungcheong-do provinces, up to 25 centimeters in the Jeolla-do provinces, and up to 30 centimeters of snow is forecast in the mountainous areas of Jeju island by Sunday. With strong cold wind coming down from the north, the weather will get colder tomorrow. Seoul will start off at minus 13 degrees Celsius, Chuncheon at minus 16. Daily highs will move up to minus 3 degrees in Seoul and Chuncheon, minus 1 degree in Daejeon. The cold wave is expected to continue throughout the weekend and gradually turn warmer from next Monday. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

M3.1 earthquake struck Chungju city early Friday morning; no damage reported

2025/02/07 17:00

Meanwhile an earthquake measuring slightly above three on the Richter scale struck the central part of Korea in the wee hours of this Friday. Our Kim Jung-sil has more. Early Friday morning, around 2:35 AM, a magnitude 3.1 earthquake struck the central region of the country, waking people with the shake. The epicenter was located about 22 kilometers northwest of Chungju city, at a depth of 9 kilometers. The quake was felt in surrounding areas of Chungju, including Gangwon-do and parts of Gyeonggi-do Provinces. Initially, the Korea Meteorological Administration estimated the quake's magnitude at 4.2, but after further analysis, it was revised to 3.1. South Korea uses the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale to measure earthquake intensity, with 10 being the strongest. In this case, the highest tremor intensity reported in Chungju was level 5, or moderate intensity. "Level 5 means that nearly everyone in the area felt the shaking, with items like dishes and windows breaking, and unstable objects tipping over. Two aftershocks occurred by 8:30 AM, with smaller magnitudes." Experts also suggested further caution for those in the affected areas. "Although this earthquake is relatively small compared to those occurring in seismic hotspots, it may have caused strong shaking that could make some people feel uneasy. If you feel tremors, it is important to stay calm and prioritize protecting your head and body." The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has confirmed that there were no significant injuries or damages, with over 20 reports of 'shaking' as of Friday morning, the most coming from Gangwon-do with 15 reports. The Ministry has activated the emergency response system and issued an earthquake warning for the affected areas. It has also dispatched a field situation manager to Chungju to oversee the situation and ensure proper management. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

State of emergency declared for Santorini after quakes

2025/02/07 10:00

Over in Greece, the government declared a state of emergency on Thursday for the island of Santorini, following more than seven-thousand undersea earthquakes that began on January 31. The most significant was a 5.2-magnitude quake on Wednesday. This has prompted the evacuation of more than ten-thousand residents and workers on the island. Authorities have closed schools, restricted access to coastal areas due to landslide risks, and deployed emergency services, including the army and police. While damage has been minimal, the state of emergency is to stay in effect until March 3.

M3.1 earthquake struck Chungju city early Friday morning; no damage reported

2025/02/07 10:00

Early this morning, a magnitude 3.1 earthquake hit South Korea's central city of Chungju, with reports of shaking in surrounding areas. No major damage has been reported yet. Our Kim Jung-sil reports. Early Friday morning, around 2:35 AM, a magnitude 3.1 earthquake struck the central region of the country, waking people with the shake. The epicenter was located about 22 kilometers northwest of Chungju city, at a depth of 9 kilometers. Initially, the Korea Meteorological Administration estimated the quake's magnitude at 4.2, but after further analysis, it was revised to 3.1. The initial estimate of 4.2 triggered emergency disaster alerts across a wide area, including Chungcheong-do, Gyeonggi-do, and even parts of Seoul. South Korea uses the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale to measure earthquake intensity, with 10 being the strongest. In this case, the highest tremor intensity reported in Chungju was level 5, or moderate intensity. "This earthquake caused tremors with a maximum intensity of level 5 in Chungcheongbuk-do Province, and shaking was also detected in parts of Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do provinces. Level 5 means that nearly everyone in the area felt the shaking, with items like dishes and windows breaking, and unstable objects tipping over. Following the earthquake, two aftershocks occurred by 8:30 AM, with smaller magnitudes." Expert also suggested further caution for those in the affected areas. "Although this earthquake, with a magnitude of 3.1, is relatively small compared to those occurring in seismic hotspots, it may have caused strong shaking that could make some people feel uneasy. If you feel tremors during an earthquake, it is important to stay calm and prioritize protecting your head and body." The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has confirmed that there were no significant injuries or damages, with 23 earthquake-related reports across the regions as of 2:54 AM, the most coming from Gangwon-do with 13 reports. The Ministry has activated the emergency response system and issued an earthquake warning for the affected areas. It has also dispatched a field situation manager to Chungju to oversee the situation and ensure proper management. Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.

[Weather] Severe cold weather with snow storm

2025/02/07 12:00

Brace yourselves—winter feels like it's in full swing this week. It's been bringing freezing temperatures AND heavy snow across the country. A snowstorm is making things even more challenging. Snow alerts have been expanded to most parts of Korea. The capital area could see 8 to 10 centimeters of snow in the morning. Chungcheong-do Province could see up to 15 centimeters of snow into Saturday, Snowy days should be less cold but that's not the case for today. A strong cold wave continues with a cold wave warning remaining in place for central regions. Afternoon highs will be similar to morning lows. Seoul will get up to minus 7 degrees, but the feels like temperature will be as low as minus 14 degrees. Daegu should see a high of minus 1 degrees. The wintry mix continues in Jeolla-do Provinces and Jeju through Sunday. Stay safe on the road! Staying extremely cold through Monday morning, then things will be much more bearable next week.

[Weather] More snow is forecast across the country, cold spell continues

2025/02/06 20:00

Cold wave warnings and advisories have been in place in most parts of the country for several days already. With freezing cold conditions in Seoul, the Han River is partially frozen. The cold spell will continue to freeze the country tomorrow. Meanwhile, from this afternoon, snow has been falling across the country, including Seoul. By tomorrow morning, up to 15 centimeters of snow is expected on the west coast of Chungcheongnam-do Province and the Jeolla-do provinces, 1 to 5 centimeters in the Seoul metropolitan area and 3 to 8 centimeters in rest of the central inland areas. Most of this snow will ease off from tomorrow afternoon, but more snow is forecast in the southwest and on Jeju Island until this weekend. Tomorrow, Seoul will be as cold as today at minus 12 degrees, and Daejeon at minus 7 degrees. Highs will move up to minus 6 degrees in Seoul, 3 degrees in Busan. This cold wave will continue until this weekend and recover back to normal readings from early next week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] More snow for this afternoon, cold wave continues

2025/02/06 17:00

This morning, there was a severe cold spell below minus 10 degrees Celsius nationwide. Cold wave warnings and advisories have been still in effect in most parts of the country for several days. With Arctic cold in Seoul, the Han River is partially frozen. More snow has been falling across the country, including in Seoul, from this afternoon. By tomorrow morning, up to 15 centimeters of snow will fall on the west coast of Chungcheongnam-do Province and the Jeolla-do provinces, 1 to 5 centimeters in the Seoul metropolitan area and 3 to 8 centimeters in the rest of the central inland areas. Most of this snow will ease off from tomorrow afternoon, but more snow is forecast in the Jeolla-do provinces and on Jeju Island until this weekend. Tomorrow, Seoul will be as cold as today at minus 12 degrees, and Daegu at minus 4 degrees. Highs will move up to minus 6 degrees in Seoul, minus 2 degrees in Gwangju and Daegu. The cold wave is expected to continue until this weekend and then recover back to normal readings. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

Tremors continue in Santorini with two thirds of residents evacuating island

2025/02/06 17:00

Over in the Greek island of Santorini. Rampant tremors have forced two-thirds of the residents on the island to evacuate. According to local broadcasters citing authorities there more than 11-thousand of the island's 16-thousand residents have sought shelter on the mainland. Of them 7-thousand took ferries while 4-thousand left on planes. There have been hundreds of quakes in the region around Santorini over the past two weeks. No casualties nor damages have been reported but concerns are mounting that the series of small tremors may be a precursor to a major earthquake.

[Weather] More freezing temperatures and return of snow in most regions this afternoon

2025/02/06 10:00

It has been an absolutely frigid week here, with a cold wave warning remaining in place for most of the central parts of Korea. In Seoul, we woke up to lows of around -12 degrees Celsius, but with the wind chill, it feels even colder. And if you think that's bad, some parts of Gangwon Province, have dropped to minus 20 degrees. Snow and bitterly cold winds are making conditions even tougher for the west coast of Jeolla-do Province and Jeju with 3 to 8 centimeters of more snow in store through this morning. THEN snow returns to central regions continuing into Friday. The capital could see up to 5 centimeters, Jeollabuk-do Province could be getting 5 to 10 centimeters of snowfall. Be careful out on the roads. Bone-chilling temperatures will ease just a bit with highs jumping to above freezing in Seoul at 1 degree, Daegu and Gwangju at 3 degrees. We'll have to wait until early next week to see some much-needed cold relief. Stay warm and keep those hot drinks close.

Tremors continue in Santorini with two thirds of residents evacuating island

2025/02/06 10:00

As tremors continue to shake the world-famous Greek island of Santorini, two-thirds of the residents on the island have reportedly left. According to Greek public broadcaster ERT, on Wednesday, citing officials, more than 11-thousand of the island's 16-thousand residents evacuated to the mainland. Of them, 7-thousand took ferries, while 4-thousand left on passenger planes. There have been hundreds of earthquakes in the region around Santorini for the past 13 days. While there have been no injuries or major damage, concerns are growing that the series of small tremors may be a precursor to a major earthquake.

[Weather] Cold wave continues, more snow from tomorrow afternoon

2025/02/05 20:00

The cold wave is raging again today. The temperature in Seoul only moved up to minus 5 degrees Celsius even during the daytime and the feels-like temperature stayed at nearly minus 13 degrees. With cold wave warnings and advisories in place nationwide, this cold spell will be seen tomorrow across the country. Please dress extra warm when you go outside. In these Arctic conditions, snow will continue on the west coast and Jeju Island until tomorrow morning. From tomorrow afternoon, more snow will continue throughout the country, including the Seoul metropolitan area. Tomorrow, Seoul will start off at minus 12 degrees and Daejeon at minus 11 degrees. Highs will move up to zero degrees in Seoul, 3 degrees in Gwangju and Daegu. This extreme cold spell is expected to continue until early next week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

S. Korean Embassy in Greece urges caution after hundreds of earthquakes hit Santorini

2025/02/05 20:00

The South Korean Embassy in Greece is advising caution to any South Korean nationals in Santorini. The embassy posted the alert on its website on Wednesday, urging nationals to consider that there could be further damage caused by aftershocks or other strong earthquakes. It also advised not to visit ports, and to stay alert for potential landslides and tsunamis. So far, there have been no reports of South Korean nationals affected by the earthquakes.

Thousands leave Santorini amid earthquakes

2025/02/05 20:00

Thousands of people are fleeing the Greek island of Santorini, as a result of a series of earthquakes. The mass exodus has left the island nearly empty. Lee Seung-jae has the details. The picturesque Greek island of Santorini is a world-famous tourist destination. It also has some 20-thousand residents. Now, thousands are fleeing the island, as it has experienced hundreds of earthquakes in just a few days. Around 550 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or above have been recorded since Sunday, with experts saying the tremors could continue for weeks. As February is the off-peak season for tourists on the Greek island, most of the people evacuating Santorini are residents. "Our Santorini is shaking every 10 minutes on average. A lot of earthquakes, there is concern." Authorities have closed schools until Friday, and have also warned against any large indoor gatherings on the island. Some have opted to sleep inside their cars, over fears that a bigger earthquake would destroy their homes. Local residents say all shops have been closed, and the island is virtually empty, leaving them with no choice but to leave the island. On Sunday a magnitude 4-point-8 earthquake struck 18 kilometers southwest of Amorgos Island. Less than an hour later, a magnitude 4-point-7 earthquake shook Amorgos and nearby islands, including Santorini. In 1956, a magnitude 7-point-5 earthquake struck near Santorini, killing 53 people and injuring more than 100. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

[Weather] Cold wave continues, more snow from tomorrow afternoon

2025/02/05 17:00

With the nationwide cold wave warnings, temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius were recorded in Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do and Jeollabuk-do Provinces this morning. Seoul was severely cold at minus 12 degrees in the morning and rose up to only minus 5 degrees even in the middle of the day today. This cold wave will freeze the whole country tomorrow. Heavy snow has been falling on the west coast for three days already. While a heavy snow warning has been issued in Yeonggwang in Jeollanam-do Province, snow will continue on the west coast and Jeju Island until tomorrow morning and then lull for a while. Tomorrow, Seoul will start off at minus 12 degrees and Chuncheon at minus 17 degrees. Highs will move up to zero degrees in Seoul, 2 degrees in Daejeon and Gyeongju. Another round of snow will make a quick return from tomorrow afternoon in many areas including the Seoul metropolitan area. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Dangerously cold day with snow in Jeolla-do

2025/02/05 10:00

After the long Seollal holiday last week, Korea is in the grip of a deep freeze, making a rougher week for many of us in Korea. Dangerously cold temperatures continue nationwide. Factor in the wind, and it feels even colder. Blustery winds and heavy snowfall are also making for hazardous travel conditions, especially along the west coast and Jeju Island. Some areas are getting a significant amount of snow accumulation. Jeolla-do Province and surrounding areas could see up to 15 centimeters of snowfall through tomorrow morning. Heavy snow alerts remain in place for those regions and Jeju, so if you're traveling to these areas, be prepared for delays. Seoul stays under sunny skies with a high of minus 5 degrees, and Busan at 3 degrees. The east coast is under a strong and dry weather advisory, so fire precaution is a must. This cold snap isn't going anywhere. The big freeze will stick around through the weekend. Until then, bundle up, and limit time outdoors. Stay warm and safe!

Record snowfall in northern Japan

2025/02/05 10:00

Finally, to Japan where the country's northern island of Hokkaido saw record-breaking snowfall on Tuesday. The city of Obihiro recorded some 120 centimeters of snow within a 12-hour period, setting a new national record for the most snowfall in that time. The Japan Meteorological Agency attributed the extreme weather to two powerful low-pressure systems channeling cold air into the region. Numerous flights have been canceled, while roads, train services, and 370 schools have been closed as a result. Residents and visitors have been advised to practice caution and carry shovels and warm clothing in their vehicles.

Thousands leave Santorini amid earthquakes

2025/02/05 10:00

Thousands of people are fleeing the Greek island of Santorini, a world-famous tourist destination, as a result of an unprecedented series of earthquakes. The mass exodus has left the island nearly empty. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News. The picturesque Greek island of Santorini is a world-famous tourist destination. It also has some 20-thousand residents. Now, thousands are fleeing the island, as it has experienced hundreds of earthquakes in just a few days. Around 550 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or above have been recorded since Sunday, with experts saying the tremors could continue for weeks. As February is the off-peak season for tourists on the Greek island, most of the people evacuating Santorini are residents. "Our Santorini is shaking every 10 minutes on average. A lot of earthquakes, there is concern." Authorities have closed schools until Friday, and have also warned against any large indoor gatherings on the island. Some have opted to sleep inside their cars, over fears that a bigger earthquake would destroy their homes. Local residents say all shops have been closed, and the island is virtually empty, leaving them with no choice but to leave the island. On Sunday a magnitude 4-point-8 earthquake struck 18 kilometers southwest of Amorgos Island. Less than an hour later, a magnitude 4-point-7 earthquake shook Amorgos and nearby islands, including Santorini. In 1956, a magnitude 7-point-5 earthquake struck near Santorini, killing 53 people and injuring more than 100. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

[Weather] Cold spell across the country, heavy snow on the west coast

2025/02/04 20:00

There is a strong cold spell all over the country. Cold wave warnings and advisories are in effect in most parts of the country with freezing conditions. The coldest place this morning was Mountain Seorak, where temperatures plummeted to nearly minus 23 degrees Celsius. This cold spell will be seen tomorrow as well. As the heavy snow warnings continue to expand, snow will become thicker on the west cost of Chungcheongnam-do Province. Heavy snow of as much as 40 centimeters will fall in the mountainous areas of Jeju Island, and more than 30 centimeters in Jeollabuk-do Province by Thursday. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will be as cold as today, dropping to minus 12 degrees, Daegu and Gyeongju at minus 9 degrees. Seoul will move up to minus 5 degrees, and Gwangju will move up to minus 1 degree. This cold spell will continue throughout the week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

[Weather] Cold wave reaches its peak, heavy snow on west coast

2025/02/04 17:00

With the first cold wave warning issued in Seoul this year, the cold wave reached its peak nationwide today. The coldest place this morning was Mountain Seorak, where temperatures plummeted to nearly minus 23 degrees Celsius. While the cold wave warnings continue to be expanded, this cold spell will freeze the country tomorrow as well. As this powerful cold wave passes through the West Sea, heavy snow clouds formed around the west coast areas and Jeju Island. Even more snow is expected from dawn tomorrow. By Thursday, heavy snow of 40 centimeters or more is expected in the mountainous areas of Jeju Island, and more than 30 centimeters in Jeollabuk-do Province. Tomorrow morning, Seoul will be as cold as today, dropping to minus 12 degrees, Gwangju and Busan at minus 6 degrees. Seoul will move up to minus 5 degrees, and Chuncheon will move up to minus 4 degrees. Freezing cold weather will remain this whole week. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.