Turkey: Adverse weather forecast across central, northern, and western regions through at least April 5

Event

Thunderstorms and strong winds are forecast across parts of central, northwestern, and western Turkey (Turkiye) through at least April 5. A storm moving in from the Aegean Sea will initially impact some western regions April 3 before spreading into central and then northern Turkey April 4-5. Winds gusting up to 100 kph (62 mph) are possible across parts of the affected area over the coming days. Thunderstorms may also be accompanied by heavy downpours, lightning, and possible hail storms.

The Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued the following weather warnings across the country April 4:

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

• Orange strong wind warnings: Afyonkarahisar, Buirdur, Giresun, Isparta, Karaman, Kayseri, Konya, Nigde, Ordu, Rize, and Trabzon provinces

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Bursa, Edirne, Kirklareli, Manisa, Tekirdag, and Yalova provinces

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Aydin, Bartin, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bolu, Bursa, Cankiri, Corum, Denizli, Duzce, Eskisheir, Gumushane, Izmir, Karabuk, Kastamonu, Kirikkale, Kirsehir, Kutahya, Manisa, Mugla, Nevsehir, Samsun, Sinop, Sivas, Tokat, Usak, Yozgat, and Zonguldak provinces

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

Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across parts of the affected area. 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 regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Aegean coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. 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. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Turkish State Meteorological Service