Turkiye: Adverse weather forecast across southern and western regions through at least Dec. 9

Severe weather is forecast across parts of southern and western Turkiye through at least Dec. 9. Strong showers and thunderstorms are expected in the western Aegean Region Dec. 7-8 and heavy rainfall in eastern Marmara Region Dec. 8. The most severe showers and storms are forecast in parts of the Mediterranean Region Dec. 8-9; rainfall totals up to 10 cm (4 inches) are possible in parts of the region. Strong winds, lightning, and possible hail may accompany thunderstorms. Snowfall is possible in elevated parts of the affected areas. 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 Dec. 7-8:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Adana, Antalya, and Mersin provinces.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Aydin, Burdur, Isparta, Izmir, Manisa, and Mugla provinces.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Bursa, Istanbul, Kocaeli, Sakarya, and Yalova 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. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Mediterranean 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.