Heavy Snow Sweeps South Korea; Flakes For Tokyo; Michigan Snow Impresses; Udaipur Chills; Antarctica To -61.5C (-78.7F); + Hurricanes Are Not Getting Stronger

The COLD TIMES are returning...

Heavy Snow Sweeps South Korea

South Korea was hit by snow Sunday night through Monday, disrupting travel and raising safety concerns. Another bout of heavy snow is expected nationwide starting Tuesday.

Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, and Chungcheong received sizable snow into Monday morning. Gangwon was the worst hit, receiving 49.6 cm (19.5 inches) as of 6 AM. Goseong-gun had followed with with 39.2 cm (15.4 inches).

A cafe in Gangneung covered in snow on Monday [Yonhap]

Authorities responded a host of traffic accidents and stranded vehicles, with 20 people hospitalized (likely more). Over 80 ferries were canceled, as well as a myriad of flights. National parks and roads were also closed.

Looking to Tuesday, a heavy snow advisory has been issued for Gangwon, Chungcheong, Gyeongsang, and southern Gyeonggi.

Forecasts predict another 40 cm (16 inches) for Gangwon as a low-pressure system moves in. North Gyeongsang and Jeju’s mountains could also see another 40 cm (16 inches), while Seoul and Incheon will top up with another few inches.

Parts of Gangwon are forecast to reach 100 cm (39 in) by Wednesday.

Thermometers will bottom out at -5C (23F) to 4C (39F), with highs ranging between 2C (36F) to 8C (46F).

The storm should begin to ease by Tuesday night as the system shifts east toward Japan, but lingering cold air will remain.

Flakes For Tokyo

A powerful winter storm is set to bring additional heavy snowfall to mountainous areas in central and eastern Japan starting Tuesday afternoon. The JMA warns that snow could accumulate even in southern Kanto, including Tokyo.