Turkiye: Adverse weather forecast across southwestern regions Feb. 13

Severe weather is forecast to continue across parts of southwestern Turkiye Feb. 13. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have been ongoing in the region since late Feb. 12 and are forecast to continue through late Feb. 13. Rainfall totals of up to 10 cm (4 inches) are expected in parts of Antalya Province and up to 7 cm (2.8 inches) in parts of Burdur and Isparta provinces. Strong winds, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. The Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for Antalya Province and orange heavy rain warnings for Burdur and Isparta provinces Feb. 13. Authorities could issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours.

Heavy rainfall overnight Feb. 12-13 has triggered flooding in parts of Antalya. Several roads have been inundated by flooding water, causing traffic congestion in affected areas. Several flights have been delayed, canceled, or diverted at Antalya Airport (AYT) due to the adverse weather. Schools have been suspended in five central districts of the province Feb. 13.

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 further 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.