Severe Snowfall Disrupts Turkey's Central Anatolia and Eastern Regions
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Synopsis
The severe snowfall in Turkey's central Anatolia and eastern regions has disrupted transportation and daily life. Emergency teams rescued stranded motorists, while warnings of icy roads and avalanches have been issued. Major cities are experiencing significant temperature drops alongside strong winds.
Key Takeaways
- Heavy snowfall disrupts transportation in Anatolia.
- 911 individuals rescued from stranded highways.
- Sivas-Gurun highway closed due to blizzard conditions.
- Yellow-coded weather warning issued for 48 provinces.
- Possible continued heavy rain and snowfall forecast.
Ankara, March 21 (NationPress) Severe snowfall has significantly affected Turkey's central Anatolia and eastern regions, resulting in disruptions to transportation and daily activities, as reported by a local news agency on Friday.
The report indicated that 911 individuals were stranded on the highways linking Kayseri to Malatya, Gurun, and Goksun in Anatolia, with emergency teams subsequently rescuing them.
In Sivas province, located to the east of Anatolia, the Sivas-Gurun highway was shut down due to blizzard conditions. Security personnel took action by blocking the road and preventing vehicle access. However, rescue teams attended to four traffic accidents, and one individual was reported missing.
The Geminbeli Pass, an essential route connecting Anatolia with the Black Sea region, was also impacted by the heavy snowfall. Many drivers found themselves stranded unexpectedly. Road maintenance teams were actively engaged in snow clearance to reopen the affected roads, as reported by Xinhua, citing the IHA news agency.
The Turkish State Meteorological Service has forecasted that heavy rain and snowfall will persist in various regions, including Istanbul, throughout the day, cautioning about potential transportation disruptions, icy roads, and avalanche dangers in elevated areas.
The Meteorology General Directorate (MGM) issued a yellow-coded warning for 48 provinces on March 19. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution regarding icy roads, avalanche risks, and transportation interruptions.
Areas expected to receive heavy rain and snow include the southern and eastern parts of Marmara, the inland Aegean, the Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, the Black Sea, and eastern and southeastern Anatolia. Major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa are experiencing a notable drop in temperatures.
Additionally, strong winds are anticipated. In Marmara, the Aegean, and central Black Sea, as well as in the southern and western sections of Central Anatolia, wind speeds could reach 40-70 kilometers per hour from the north. Some regions in the Mediterranean might experience hurricane-force winds.
