Turkiye: Adverse winter weather forecast across eastern regions through at least Feb. 7

Adverse winter weather is forecast across much of eastern Turkiye through at least Feb. 7. Heavy snowfall is forecast in elevated parts of Rize and Artvin provinces Feb. 5-6, and heavy rainfall is possible in lower elevations in those provinces. Heavy snowfall is also likely to impact northeastern parts of Eastern Anatolia Region Feb. 5-7. Snowfall accumulations of 10-60 cm (4-24 inches) are possible across parts of the affected regions. There is an increased risk of avalanches in mountainous parts of the affected areas over the coming days. Icy and frosty conditions are also likely in areas impacted by the winter weather. The adverse weather will likely lead to hazardous travel conditions.

As of Feb. 5, the Turkish State Meteorological Service had issued the following weather warnings:

• Orange heavy snowfall and avalanche warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Ardahan, Artvin, and Rize provinces.

• Yellow heavy snowfall warnings: Bayburt, Erzurum, and Kars provinces.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Artvin and Rize provinces.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Agri, Bitlis, Hakkari, Igdir, Kars, Sirnak, and Van provinces.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Bayburt, Erzurum, Kars, and Rize provinces.

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

In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow and, consequently, reduced visibility. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected areas.

The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in the affected regions over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected provinces as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highways if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout affected areas. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in the affected regions.