24 Jun 2022 | 10:52 AM UTC
Turkey: Adverse weather forecast across northern, southern, and eastern regions June 26
Severe weather forecast across parts of northern, souther, and eastern Turkey through at least June 26. Disruptions possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of northern, southern, and eastern Turkey through at least June 26. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected across parts of the Western Black Sea Region in northern Turkey and across parts of south-central Turkey June 24. Storms may be accompanied by strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail storms. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding and landslides in parts of the affected regions. Dust storms are expected to impact much of eastern Turkey June 24-26. The dust storms will likely cause transport disruptions due to reduced visibility as well as posing a risk to health, especially for those with existing respiratory conditions.
As of June 24, the Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued the following weather warnings across the affected areas:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Bartin, Kastamonu, and Zonguldak provinces.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Adana, Bolu, Duzce, Isparta, Kahramanmaras, Karabuk, Karaman, Konya, Mersin, Nigde, Osmaniye, Sakarya, Samsun, and Sinop provinces.
Yellow dust storm warnings: Agri, Ardahan, Batman, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Erzurum, Hakkari, Igdir, Kars, Mardin, Mus, Siirt, Sirnak, and Van provinces.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Agri, Bitlis, Erzurum, Hakkari, Mardin, Mus, Siirt, Sirnak, and Van provinces.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
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.
Dust storms can pose a health risk to individuals with pulmonary or respiratory issues, and authorities usually warn persons at high risk to remain indoors with windows closed during dust storms.
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.
Dust storms can reduce visibility, leading to transport disruptions. Hazardous driving conditions are possible and could result in traffic congestion and an increase in vehicle accidents. Flight delays, diversions, and cancellations could occur at other airports in affected regions during periods of severe dust storm activity. Ground transport disruptions are typically severe during rush hour periods. Higher-than-normal employee absenteeism is possible in the event of widespread transport 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. If operating in areas affected by dust storm activity, consider remaining indoors when possible. Individuals who must be outdoors should use facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid dust inhalation. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
