Turkiye: Adverse weather forecast across northwestern regions and Antalya Province through at least Jan. 19

Adverse weather conditions, including severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and high winds, are likely to impact much of northwestern Turkiye and Antalya Province through at least Jan. 19. Rainfall amounts of up to 5 cm (2 inches) and strong winds of up to 80 kph (50 mph) are forecast across the affected regions. Minister of Internal Affairs Ali Yerlikaya indicated that the forecast heavy rainfall could cause flooding and landslides in affected areas.

Turkiye's General Directorate of Meteorology has issued the following weather warnings for Jan. 19:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Parts of Balikesir Province

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Parts of Antalya, Balikesir, and Istanbul provinces

• Yellow wind warnings: Parts of Balikesir, Bursa, Canakkale, Edirne, Istanbul, Izmir, Kirklareli, Kocaeli, Tekirdag, and Yalova provinces

Authorities will likely issue new alerts and update or rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the short term.

The severe weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in the affected regions. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are probable along regional highways. Hazardous driving conditions are likely due to slippery roads and reduced visibility. Authorities will probably close stretches of highways if driving conditions become too dangerous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected regions. The severe weather may also cause power outages in some areas.