Turkey: Adverse weather forecast across western, central, and northeastern regions through at least March 12

Event

A storm system is forecast to bring severe weather across much of Turkey through at least March 12. Strong winds gusting up to 100 kph (62 mph) may be accompanied by thunderstorms and heavy downpours as the system moves west to east across the country March 11-12. Strong winds could cause property damage and power outages and flooding is possible in low-lying areas where heavy rainfall occurs.

As March 10, the Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued the following weather warnings for March 11:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Balikesir, Canakkale, and Izmir provinces.

• Orange strong wind warnings: Afyonkarahisar, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Aydin, Balikesir, Bartin, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bolu, Burdur, Bursa, Canakiri, Corum, Denizli, Duzce, Erzurum, Eskisehir, Giresun, Gumushane, Isparta, Istanbul, Izmir, Karabuk, Karaman, Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kirikkale, Kirsehir, Kocaeli, Konya, Kutahya, Manisa, Nevsheir, Nigde, Ordu, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Sinop. Sivas, Tokat, Trabzon, Usak, Yalova, Yozgat, and Zonguldak provinces.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Afyonkarahisar, Ankara, Aydin, Bartin, Bilecik, Bolu, Bursa, Cankiri, Denizli, Duzce, Edirne, Eskisehir, Istanbul, Karabuk, Kastamonu, Kirklareli. Kocaeli, Kutahya, Manisa, mugla, Sakarya, Tekirdag, Usak, and Zonguldak provinces.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across the rest of the affected area not under orange warnings.

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

Hazardous Conditions
The storm(s) 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 will likely 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.