18 Oct 2023 | 01:33 PM UTC
Turkiye: Adverse weather forecast across northern and southern regions through at least Oct. 19
Severe weather forecast across parts of northern and southern Turkiye through at least Oct. 19. Flooding and disruptions possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of northern and southern Turkiye through at least Oct. 19. Heavy rainfall is expected in the Black Sea and eastern Marmara region and thunderstorms are forecast in the Mediterranean Region. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.
The Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area Oct. 18-19:
Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Artvin, Rize, and Trabzon provinces.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Giresun, Kastamonu, Kocaeli, Ordu, Sakarya, Samsun, and Sinop provinces.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Adana, Antalya, Burdur, Hatay, Isparta, Mersin, Kahramanmaras, and Osmaniye provinces.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
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.
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. 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. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.
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.
