Turkiye: Fatalities, disruptions due to severe weather across eastern and northern regions as of early Nov. 21 /update 1

Fatalities and disruptions have been reported across eastern and northern Turkiye as of early Nov. 21 following severe weather Nov. 20. Further severe weather is forecast over eastern Turkiye Nov. 21. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and heavy snowfall at higher altitudes may occur. Lightning, hail, and possible tornadoes 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.

As of early Nov. 21, the Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued the following weather warnings:

• Orange snow warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Bitlis, Hakkari, Sirnak, and Van provinces.

• Yellow snow and rain warnings: Artvin and Rize provinces.

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

Authorities have confirmed three fatalities in Eregli District in Zonguldak Province, four fatalities in Batman Province, and one fatality in Hani District in Diyarbakir Province due to the severe weather. At least 50 people across Batman and Diyarbakir provinces were injured. More than 200 homes and businesses across Istanbul City were flooded, and 57 school roofs were blown off in Zonguldak Province.

Two vessels were severely damaged near Zonguldak Province Nov. 19; all crew members onboard were rescued. Another vessel sank after hitting the breakwater near Eregli Port Nov. 19; authorities confirmed one fatality. Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the remaining 11 missing crew members.

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 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. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Black Sea and Aegean Sea coasts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic.

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.