Earliest cold wave advisory since 2005 issued for Gangwon mountain areas

A cold wave caution advisory took effect at 9 p.m. Monday for mountainous areas of Taebaek and Pyeongchang-gun in Gangwon Province — the earliest such advisory issued anywhere in the country since the cold wave warning system was established in 2005.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecast that an influx of cold air will push temperatures in Gangwon's mountain areas below freezing Tuesday morning, with strong winds driving the wind chill even lower. Frost is expected to form in some inland areas, and ice may develop in places.

Local governments have begun early cold wave response measures. Taebaek city is preparing steps centered on protecting vulnerable residents, inspecting cold wave shelters and mitigation facilities, and preventing frost and low-temperature damage to crops. Pyeongchang-gun has also readied a snow-removal system tailored to its mountainous terrain. The Korea Meteorological Administration urged the public to guard against crop cold damage and to take care of their health amid the sharp temperature drop.