31 Mar 2023 | 09:24 AM UTC
Turkey: Adverse winter weather forecast across eastern and southern regions through at least April 1
Adverse winter weather likely across eastern and southern Turkey (Turkiye) through at least April 1. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
Adverse winter weather is forecast across parts of eastern and southern Turkey (Turkiye) through at least April 1. Heavy snowfall is expected in eastern regions March 31 and early April 1. Snowfall accumulations of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) are forecast across the region. Hazardous travel conditions are likely across the affected area. Strong winds gusting up to 70 kph (43 mph) are forecast in parts of southern Turkey March 31. The strong winds could cause property damage and power outages in the region. Those still in temporary accommodation following the major earthquakes that struck the region Feb. 6 may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the adverse weather.
As of March 31, the Turkish General Directorate of Meteorology has issued the following warnings across the affected area:
Orange snowfall warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Agria, Bitlis, Hakkari, Igdir, Kars, Siirt, Sirnak, and Van provinces
Yellow snowfall warnings: Erzurum and Mus provinces
Yellow strong wind warnings: Adana, Adiyaman, Elazig, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kahramanmaras, and Malatya provinces
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas and there is also the possibility of avalanches where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.
Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in affected areas 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. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. 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 affected region.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
