14 Jun 2022 | 10:43 AM UTC
Turkey: Adverse weather forecast across central, southern, and northeastern regions June 14
Thunderstorms forecast across central, southern, and northeastern Turkey June 14. Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in central regions.
Event
Thunderstorms are forecast across parts of central, southern, and northeastern Turkey June 14. The thunderstorms will likely be accompanied by heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail storms. Disruptions are ongoing in parts of central Turkey after heavy rainfall in recent days triggered flooding in the region. Further downpours will likely exacerbate the situation in areas where the ground is saturated by previous rainfall as well as hampering ongoing recovery efforts.
As of June 14, the Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Adana, Hatay, Kahramanmaras, and Osimaniye provinces.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalya, Artvin, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bingol, Bolu, Bursa, Corum, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir, Giresun, Gumushane, Hatay, Karaman, Kayseri, Kirsehir, Konya, Malatya, Mersin, Nevsehir, Nigde, Ordu, Rize, Samsun, Sivas, Tokat, Trabzon, Tunceli, and Yozgat provinces.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Authorities reported four fatalities in Ankara Province and one in Karaman Province after heavy rainfall June 11-12 triggered flooding and disruptions across parts of central Turkey. The heavy rainfall was accompanied by strong winds, which caused damage to homes and uprooted trees across parts of the affected region. Many roads across the region were inundated by floodwater, including in the capital Ankara, leading to widespread transport disruptions. As of June 13, several villages in Kastamonu Province were still cut off after landslides triggered by the downpours blocked roads. Schools were closed in Ankara and Gemerek June 13 due to disruptions caused by the floods and the further adverse weather forecast.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected region. If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Black Sea coast. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
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 and mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
