22 Sep 2022 | 06:27 AM UTC
Turkey: Adverse weather forecast across northwestern coastal and central regions through at least Sept. 23
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds forecast across northern, central Turkey through Sept. 23. Possible flooding, disruptions.
Event
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast in northwestern coastal and central regions through at least Sept. 23. The heavy downpours could trigger flooding, landslides, and disruptions to transport, business, and utilities in the affected area. The Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued orange (second-highest level on a three-tier scale) thunderstorm warnings for Bartin, Duzce, Sakarya, and Zonguldak provinces Sept. 22-23. Yellow thunderstorm warnings are in place across the rest of the affected area through at least Sept. 23. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change 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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
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.
Transport
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.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region, including Istanbul Airport (IST). If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Black Sea coast. 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.
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.
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 and mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
