15 Dec 2021 | 11:24 AM UTC
Turkey: Adverse weather forecast across northwestern and southern provinces through at least Dec. 16 /update 2
Severe weather forecast across parts of northwestern and southern Turkey through at least Dec. 16. Possible disruptions.
Event
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, snow, and sleet are forecast across parts of northwestern and southern Turkey through at least Dec. 16. Heavy rainfall with snow and sleet in higher elevated areas is forecast across parts of eastern Mamara and western Black Sea regions in northwestern Turkey Dec. 15. Heavy rainfall and possible thunderstorms, as well as snow in mountainous areas, are forecast across eastern parts of the Mediterranean Region in southern Turkey Dec. 15-16.
As of Dec. 15, the Turkish State Meteorological Service is maintaining the following weather warnings:
Orange (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) rainfall warnings: Adana and Mersin provinces
Yellow rainfall warnings: Bartin, Bolu, Bursa, Duzce, Hatay, Istanbul, Kocaeli, Kahramanmaras, Osmaniye, Sakarya, Yalova, and Zonguldak provinces
Yellow thunderstorm warning: Hatay Province
Yellow snow warning: Bartin, Bolu, Bursa, Düzce, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Yalova, and Zonguldak provinces
Officials may update and extend the coverage of existing weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger 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.
Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Avalanches are possible in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area
Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.
The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, landslides, or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Health
Flooding may heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when flooding recedes. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks poses a significant health threat.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Confirm flights. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through affected areas. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
