TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A cold air mass on Tuesday brought snow to Hehuanshan, Yushan, and Huagang.
Approximately 6 cm of snow has accumulated on Hehuanshan, transforming the mountain into a winter wonderland, per CNA. Snow has also been reported in Yushan and Huagang, an area in Renai Township over 2,400 meters in elevation.
The cold air mass and ample moisture led to snowfall at Hehuanshan in the early morning. Areas including Kunyang, Wuling, Songsyue Lodge, and Xiaofengkou have been blanketed in white.
Visitors braved the overnight cold at Wuling (elevation 3,275 meters) to witness the snowfall. Guests at Songsyue Lodge were delighted to see the snowfall in the early morning.
Due to hazardous conditions, a precautionary road closure was implemented from 18 km (Cuifeng, Nantou) to 41.5 km (Dayuling, Hualien) along Provincial Highway 14A from Monday night until Tuesday morning. The Highway Bureau lifted restrictions at 7 a.m. following snow removal operations, but some sections between Cuifeng and Dayuling remain covered in ice and snow.
Officials warned that the winding, shaded sections of the Wuling to Songsyue Lodge road section are prone to skidding. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are advised to use snow chains.
Snowfall has also been recorded in Huagang, the main peak of Yushan (elevation 3,952 meters), and Paiyun Lodge (elevation 3,402 meters). According to Yushan National Park Headquarters, Paiyun Lodge received ice pellets Monday night, and snowfall on Tuesday reached a depth of 5.5 centimeters.
The CWA issued a cold surge advisory early Tuesday morning. Temperatures north of Taichung and parts of Yilan may drop to 10 C or lower.
Other areas that reported snow included Fushoushan, Taipingshan, and Lalashan. Residents are advised to take precautions against the cold to prevent respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
