Turkiye: Adverse weather forecast across southeastern and central Turkiye through at least May 20

Event

Adverse weather is forecast across parts of southeastern and central Turkiye through at least May 20. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes.

As of early May 19, the Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued the following weather warnings:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Hakkari Province

• Orange dust warnings: Batman, Hakkari, Mardin, Siirt, and Sirnak provinces

• Yellow dust warnings: Bitlis, Diyarbakir, and Mus provinces

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: the rest of the affected area

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

Much of southeastern Turkiye is 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 is likely to exacerbate the damages and disrupt recovery efforts. The earthquakes destroyed thousands of homes; many residents live in tents and container homes in numerous temporary accommodation centers across the region. Authorities confirmed 14 flood-related fatalities in Sanliurfa Province and two fatalities in Adiyaman Province March 14-15. Flash flooding also swept away cars and temporary housing. A bridge collapse led to the closure of a section of the Aidyaman-Celikhan Highway.

Hazardous Conditions
The storm could produce heavy rainfall, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity in the affected provinces. Where sustained heavy rainfall occurs, flash and areal flooding are possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites 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.