04 Feb 2023 | 07:49 PM UTC
Turkey: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of the country through at least Feb. 8
Severe winter weather forecast across much of Turkey through at least Feb. 8. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
Severe winter weather, including low temperatures, high winds, and heavy precipitation, is forecast across much of Turkey through at least Feb. 8. Precipitation will fall as rain and rain mixed with snow in coastal areas along the Black Sea and the Mediterranean; snow will fall in most of the nation's interior and will be heavy at times. Snowfall accumulations of up to 20 cm (8 inches) are possible. Hazardous travel conditions are likely across the affected area. According to current forecasts, the system will impact most of Turkey into Feb. 7 when it will begin moving off to the north, with only the northernmost reaches of the country continuing to experience snowfall by Feb. 9.
As of Feb. 4, the Turkish General Directorate of Meteorology has issued the following warnings:
Heavy Precipitation: Heavy rain and areas of heavy snow in the Southern Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean, and western part of the Southeastern Anatolia regions, as well as parts of Antalya, Isparta, Sirnak, and Hakkari provinces.
Strong Winds: Winds of 60-80 kph (37-50 mph) with gusts of 80-100 kph (50-60 mph) in Western Marmara (Trakya, Istanbul, Canakkale, Balikesir, southern and western Bursa, western Yalova provinces); Western Aegean (Izmir, Manisa, Aydin 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. Decreased visibility is likely; in mountainous areas, there is also the possibility of avalanches where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.
Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in affected areas over the coming days. Turkish Airlines (TK) and its low-cost subsidiary Anadolu Jet have pre-emptively canceled over 230 flights serving Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for Feb. 5-6 in anticipation of severe weather conditions arriving in that city; Pegasus Airlines (PC) has also reportedly canceled an unspecified number of flights.
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. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. 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 affected region.
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 the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
