19 Jan 2022 | 05:44 AM UTC
Turkey: Adverse winter weather forecast across eastern and northern regions through at least Jan. 20 /update 1
Winter weather forecast across eastern and northern Turkey through at least Jan. 20. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Winter weather, including strong winds, heavy snow, and possible avalanches, is forecast across parts of eastern and northern Turkey through at least Jan. 20. Heavy sleet and snow are forecast over the western and eastern Black Sea coasts as well as southwestern Eastern Anatolia, and eastern Southeastern Anatolia regions. Transportation disruptions are possible due to frost, blizzards, avalanches, and floods. There is a risk of avalanches in the inner areas of the Eastern Black Sea Region and on the steep terrain of Eastern Anatolia.
As of early Jan. 19, the Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued the following warnings across the affected area:
Orange (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) avalanche warnings: Hakkari and Van provinces.
Orange snowfall warnings: Adiyaman, Bartin, Bingol, Bolu, Diyarbakir, Duzce, Elazig, Gaziantep, Karabuk, Kastamonu, Kilis, Maltya, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Sinop, Sirnak, Tunceli, and Zonguldak provinces.
Yellow avalanche warnings: Artvin, Bingol, Bitlis, Rize, Sirnak, Trabzon, Tunceli, and Van provinces.
Yellow wind warnings: Bartin, Bitlis, Duzce, Hakkari, Kastamonu, Mus, Sinop, Van, and Zonguldak provinces.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Heavy precipitation (including rain and snow) is expected across the affected area. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.
Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
