14 Mar 2022 | 04:05 AM UTC
Turkey: Adverse weather forecast across eastern Turkey through at least March 17 /update 2
Severe weather forecast across eastern Turkey through at least March 17. Disruptions likely.
Event
Heavy snowfall and possible avalanches are possible across eastern Turkey through at least March 17. Heavy snowfall is likely to continue in portions of eastern Anatolia through early March 14 and over parts of the central and eastern Black Sea coasts through March 15. Authorities have warned that avalanches are possible in sloping terrain with large amounts of snow cover in the inner parts of Eastern Anatolia and the Eastern Black Sea Region through March 17. Moderate agricultural frost is forecast in the interior of the Aegean Region and Antalya, while mild agricultural frost is likely along the coast through early March 16.
As of early March 14, the Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued the following weather warnings across the country:
Orange avalanche warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Bitlis, Hakkari, Sirnak, and Van provinces.
Yellow snowfall warnings: the rest of the affected area.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Due to adverse weather, national carrier Turkish Airlines (TK) canceled hundreds of flights to and from Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) March 10-13. Further cancelations are possible in the coming days. Schools in Istanbul Province will be closed until at least March 14.
Hazardous Conditions
Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in affected areas. There is a possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
The winter 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 states 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 in the region, including - but not limited to - those serving Erzurum Airport (ERZ).
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
