08 Jan 2019 | 09:57 PM UTC
Turkey: Severe winter weather reported across the country Jan. 8 /update 1
Turkish officials close schools and roads due to heavy snowfall across 20 provinces on January 8; further transportation disruptions possible in the coming days
Event
Recent heavy snowfall continues to cause transportation and business disruptions across Turkey as of Tuesday, January 8. Officials closed hundreds of schools in 20 provinces on Tuesday due to snow-blocked roads, particularly in the northern and eastern areas of the country. According to media reports, the main road connecting the Mediterranean region to central Turkey was partially closed, and dense fog caused disruptions to road and air traffic in the southern provinces of Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa. On Monday, January 7, the snowfall caused flight cancelations at Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) but operations returned to normal on Tuesday. Additional winter weather is forecast across Turkey through Monday, January 14. Further transportation disruptions, including flight delays and cancelations, are possible in the coming days.
Advice
Individuals in Turkey are advised to monitor local weather reports, maintain a flexible itinerary, and anticipate cold and adverse weather, transportation and power disruptions, including flight and train cancelations and delays, road closures, and adverse driving conditions.
