10 Feb 2022 | 11:51 AM UTC
Turkey: Adverse weather forecast across southern and eastern regions through at least Feb. 11 /update 2
Severe weather forecast across parts of southern and eastern Turkey through at least Feb. 11. Disruptions possible.
Event
Heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecast across parts of southern and eastern Turkey through at least Feb. 11. Winds of 40-60 kph (25-37 mph) are expected across the Mediterranean Region, reaching 80 kph (50 mph) over the Taurus Mountains. Heavy snowfall is forecast in Eastern Anatolia Region, with over 20 cm (8 inches) expected over higher ground in Sirnak and Hakkari provinces. The heavy snowfall and strong winds will lead to an increased risk of avalanches in mountainous areas of Eastern Anatolia and Black Sea regions.
As of Feb. 10, the Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued the following weather warnings across the affected region:
Orange heavy snowfall warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Hakkari and Sirnak provinces.
Yellow heavy snowfall warnings: Agri, Bingol, Bitlis, Elazig, Erzurum, Malatya, Mus, Tunceli, and Van provinces.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Adana, Antalya, Burdur, Isparta, Kahramanmaras, Mersin and Mugla 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. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.
Transport
The adverse weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions 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 highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area.
Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports across the affected region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Mediterranean coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through affected areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
