17 Mar 2022 | 04:35 AM UTC
Turkey: Adverse winter weather forecast across eastern and northwestern regions through at least March 22 /update 3
Severe winter weather forecast across eastern and northwestern Turkey through at least March 22. Disruptions likely.
Event
Heavy snowfall and possible avalanches are forecast across eastern and northwestern Turkey through at least March 22. Heavy snowfall is likely to continue in portions of the eastern Black Sea Region, especially in Artvin, Giresun, northern Gumushane, Rize, and Trabzon provinces, through at least March 20; snow of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) is likely with snow covers of 15-55 cm (6-22 inches). Authorities have warned of a risk of avalanches in areas with steep slopes and a large amount of snow cover in the Eastern Anatolia Region and the inland areas of the eastern Black Sea Region through at least March 22; residents should exercise caution and stay informed on the current weather forecast and active warnings especially in Agri, Bingol, Bitlis, Hakkari, Mus, Tunceli, and Van provinces. Rain is forecast in the Marmara Region March 17 before changing to snow March 18.
As of early March 17, the Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued the following weather warnings across the country:
Orange avalanche warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Agri, Bitlis, Hakkari, Mus, and Van provinces.
Orange snowfall warnings: Artvin, Rize, and Trabzon provinces.
Yellow snowfall and avalanche warnings: the rest of the affected area.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in affected areas. There is a 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
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area.
Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in the region, including but not limited to those serving Erzurum (ERZ) and Istanbul (IST) airports.
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.
