Turkey: Adverse weather forecast across southwestern regions through at least March 17 /update 3

Event

A storm system is forecast to bring severe weather across southwestern Turkey through at least March 17. Strong winds may be accompanied by thunderstorms and heavy downpours. Strong winds could cause property damage and power outages. Flooding is possible in low-lying areas where heavy rainfall occurs.

Recent heavy rainfall resulted in flooding across Adiyaman and Sanliurfa provinces March 15. The provinces are still recovering from the magnitude-7.8 and magnitude-7.5 earthquakes that occurred around 37 km (23 miles) west-northwest of Gaziantep Feb. 6. Heavy rainfall has exacerbated the damages and disrupted recovery efforts. The earthquakes destroyed thousands of homes; many residents are living in tents and container homes in numerous temporary accommodation centers across the region. Flash flooding swept away cars and temporary housing. Authorities have confirmed 12 fatalities in Sanliurfa Province and two fatalities in Adiyaman Province. At least five people are still missing, including two firefighters.

As of early March 16, the Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued the following weather warnings:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Antalya Province through March 17

• Yellow rain and thunderstorm warnings: Burdur, Isparta, and Mugla provinces through March 17

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The storm could produce rounds of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity in the affected provinces. Where sustained heavy rainfall occurs, 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. Power outages are possible across the affected areas.

Transport
The severe weather could contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions.

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. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.