The cold wave, which has increased its effect throughout Turkey, has started a process in which citizens must be careful, along with snowfall and storm warnings. The General Directorate of Meteorology and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) have issued important warnings for many cities, especially Istanbul. The snowfall, which has started especially in high altitudes, will increase its effect in the coming hours. In addition, yellow code warnings have been issued for many provinces across the country.
Snowfall Started in Istanbul
The expected snowfall in Istanbul started to show its effect in the morning hours. The heavy snowfall, especially in Çekmeköy, Aydos and the northern parts of the city, was a sign of the weather events that are expected to get stronger in the coming hours. AKOM announced that the air temperatures in Istanbul will drop below 4 degrees as of this evening and that sleet and snow will be effective especially in the northern districts after the night hours.
On the other hand, according to the Meteorology Office's forecast, heavy snow showers with strong winds are expected throughout Istanbul from tomorrow afternoon until the morning of February 7. It is stated that the northerly winds, fed by moisture as they pass over the Black Sea, may cause regional heavy snowfall.
Weather Conditions in Türkiye
According to the data of the General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM), partly and very cloudy weather is expected throughout the country, while intermittent rainfall is expected in the east of Marmara, the northeast of the Aegean, the Eastern Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, the Black Sea, Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia and the inner parts of the east of Antalya.
- Types of precipitation:
- Rain and showers on the Mediterranean coast and Southeastern Anatolia
- Sleet and snow in other areas
- Heavy and localized snowfall on the Black Sea coast, eastern Central Anatolia and western Eastern Anatolia
In addition, severe icing and frost events are expected in Thrace and the central and eastern parts of the country.
19 Provinces Under Yellow Code Warning
The General Directorate of Meteorology warned 19 provinces with a yellow code against the risk of heavy snowfall and icing. These provinces are as follows:
- Black Sea region: Giresun, Kastamonu, Ordu, Sakarya, Sinop, Trabzon, Zonguldak, Bartin, Duzce
- Central Anatolia Region: Kayseri, Nevsehir, Nigde, Sivas, Tokat
- Eastern Anatolia Region: Erzincan, Gumushane, Bayburt, Malatya, Tunceli
It was emphasized that many daily activities, especially transportation, could be negatively affected in these regions and that citizens should be careful.
Heavy Rain and Wind Warnings
The General Directorate of Meteorology also issued critical warnings about heavy rains and storms:
- Heavy Snowfall:
- Snowfalls expected to be effective in the east of Central Anatolia, the inner parts of the Eastern Black Sea Region and the west of Eastern Anatolia are expected to be heavy (over 20 cm) in places around Kayseri, Niğde, Sivas, Erzincan, Gümüşhane and Bayburt.
- In the Western Black Sea Region, heavy snowfall is expected after noon in the north of Sakarya, Düzce, Zonguldak, Bartın, coastal areas of Kastamonu and west of Sinop.
- Strong Wind:
- It is estimated that northerly winds will blow at storm level (50-90 km/h) in the Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, Western Black Sea and western Central Anatolia.
- Avalanche Danger and Icing:
- There is an avalanche danger in the high inland areas of the Eastern Black Sea Region and in the east of Eastern Anatolia.
- In the inner and eastern regions, severe icing and frost are expected.
Snow Thickness Could Reach 10cm in Istanbul
According to the statement made by AKOM, if temperatures drop a few more degrees, snow thickness between 3 and 10 cm may occur in the city centers of Istanbul. Snowfall is expected to be more intense, especially in the higher parts of the city and in the northern regions of the Anatolian Side.
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality teams have started salting and snow removal work, especially on main arteries and in high altitude areas. Drivers are advised not to set out on the road without chains and to prefer public transport.
Transportation Disruptions Expected
According to the warnings of the Meteorology, the following transportation disruptions may occur in regions where snowfall and icing will be effective:
- Icing and frost on highways: It may cause major disruptions in transportation, especially in Central and Eastern Anatolia.
- Cancellations in sea transportation: Some ferry services are expected to be cancelled in the Marmara and Black Seas due to strong winds.
- Delays in air transportation: Flight cancellations and delays may occur in Istanbul and other cities where heavy snow is expected.
Recommendations to Citizens
Things that citizens should pay attention to within the scope of warnings made by Meteorology and AKOM:
- Be careful while driving: Do not set off without winter tires, carry snow chains.
- Choose public transport: Use public transportation if possible, as traffic is affected in big cities like Istanbul.
- Be prepared for power outages: Outages may occur due to storms and heavy snowfall.
- Be careful in open areas: Be careful of events such as roofs flying off or trees falling due to strong winds.
- Take precautions against frost and avalanche danger: Those living in high altitude areas should be aware of the avalanche risk.
The harsh winter conditions that have taken effect throughout Turkey have started to negatively affect life. According to the warnings of the General Directorate of Meteorology and AKOM, snowfall and storms will be effective in many cities, especially in Istanbul. It is of great importance for citizens to take precautions against these weather events, which will have significant effects especially on transportation and daily life.
Since heavy snowfall and frost are expected to continue, it is necessary to follow the announcements of official institutions and take precautions appropriate to the weather conditions.
