29 Mar 2023 | 02:41 AM UTC
Turkey, Syria: Adverse winter weather forecast across eastern and central Turkey (Turkiye) and northern Syria through at least March 30
Heavy snowfall likely across eastern and central Turkey (Turkiye) and northern Syria through March 30. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
Heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecast across much of eastern and central Turkey (Turkiye) and northern Syria through at least March 30. Hazardous travel conditions are likely across the affected area. As of early March 29, the Turkish General Directorate of Meteorology has issued the following warnings across the affected area:
Orange snowfall warnings (second-highest level on a four-tier scale): Bayburt, Bolu, Giresun, Gumushane, Ordu, and Trabzon provinces through March 30
Orange wind warnings: Agri, Ardahan, Artvin, Bayburt, Bingol, Bitlis, Erzincan, Erzurum, Gaziantep, Gumushane, Hatay, Kahramanmaras, Kars, Kilis, Mus, Osmaniye, Siirt, Sirnak, Tunceli, and Van provinces March 29
Yellow snowfall, strong wind, and rainfall warnings: the rest of the affected area March 30
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Much of southern and eastern Turkey is still recovering from the magnitude-7.8 and magnitude-7.5 earthquakes that occurred around 37 km (23 miles) west-northwest of Gaziantep Feb. 6. Heavy snowfall could exacerbate the damages and disrupt recovery efforts due to hazardous travel conditions and the weight of snow on damaged structures. The earthquakes destroyed thousands of homes; many residents live in tents and container homes in numerous temporary accommodation centers across the region.
The adverse weather will also likely impact areas of northern Syria that were also affected by last month's earthquakes. Many people in the region are still in temporary accommodation following the damage caused by the earthquakes.
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 and 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. 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. 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.
