[Weather] The first snow in the Seoul metropolitan area, "Snow Special Report"...Congestion on the way to work.

[Anchor]
Since last night, a lot of snow has fallen around the central part of the country, with snow piling up everywhere and roads frozen.

As we enter the rush hour, traffic congestion and icy road accidents are also feared to be inconvenient.

I'll connect with the reporter to find out more about the situation.

Reporter Lee Hyunjung!

[Reporter]
Yes, it is on the street in front of Hongik University Station in Seoul.

[Anchor]
Please tell me about the situation on the ground.

[Reporter]
Yes, heavy snow continues even now, and snow piled up as high as the ankle on the floor.

In case you fall, citizens are walking carefully, wrapped in coats, scarves, and hats.

Snow removal has already been done, but the roads are slippery, so all the cars are slowing down.

As we enter full-fledged rush hour, the flow of vehicles in downtown Seoul is slowing down little by little.

Due to the risk of snow accidents, all major roads are already controlled.

Currently, some sections of Samcheong-ro and Bukaksan Mountain are completely closed in both directions, and Bukchon-ro is also banned from all lanes except one lane.

From last night to 7 a.m. this morning, the average snowfall in downtown Seoul reached 20cm.

[Anchor]
How is the snow removal work of the government and local governments?

[Reporter]
The government and local governments have also taken emergency measures.

The government operated the first stage of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters from 3 a.m. and raised the warning level of the heavy snow crisis from 'attention' to 'caution'.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government began the first phase of the snow removal system at 6 p.m. yesterday, putting in 5,200 personnel and 1,200 snow removal equipment.


From 7 a.m., an hour ago, we raised it to the second stage of snow removal and started snow removal on the sidewalk.

Gyeonggi Province has also operated the first emergency stage of the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters since 11 p.m. last night and has mobilized more than 3,100 personnel and 2,100 equipment to focus on managing the situation.

In the midst of this, the fire department said it conducted 16 safety activities due to heavy snow from last night to 4 a.m.

There have been a series of eye-related accidents, such as the driver's leg that was standing next to the car slipping on the snow and getting caught in the wheel or injuring his ankle due to a fall.

Snow is expected to continue into this afternoon.

If you haven't come to work yet, check the traffic situation in advance and use public transportation rather than your own car.

If you need to drive, please secure a safe distance and be careful of icy road accidents.

I'm Lee Hyunjung of YTN on the street in front of Hongik University Station in Seoul.