19.02.2025 11:51
After the warnings from the Meteorology and AKOM, the expected snowfall in Istanbul has begun. Due to the impact of the Altay Snowstorm, heavy snow is falling in many districts of Istanbul, and the precipitation is expected to last for three days. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu warned, "Personal vehicles should not be used in traffic unless absolutely necessary. It is important for all workplaces that have the option of remote work to switch to this system."
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After the warnings from the General Directorate of Meteorology and AKOM that have been ongoing for days, the Altay Snowstorm has taken effect in Istanbul. While snowfall has started to significantly affect many cities, whether schools will be closed remains a topic of curiosity.
CRITICAL WARNINGS FROM İMAMOĞLU FOR ISTANBUL
The Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Ekrem İmamoğlu, made notable warnings regarding the snowfall that will hold the city captive for 3 days. In a post he made on X, İmamoğlu stated, "Our warnings regarding the heavy snowfall expected to affect Istanbul and last for 3 days are as follows; we are on duty with all our vehicles and staff on all roads within our responsibility as İBB," and added: "We are in cooperation regarding areas under the responsibility of different institutions and organizations in the vicinity, such as the Northern Marmara Highway and airport connections."
"IT IS IMPORTANT TO USE WINTER TIRES AND CHAINS"
Our district municipalities will also be on alert, we have provided our municipalities with solutions and salt support, and solution work is being carried out in pedestrian axes at central points. The most important point is traffic. It is crucial that personal vehicles do not enter traffic unless absolutely necessary during the expected extraordinary snowfall, and if necessary, winter tires and chains must be used. During such times, many minor accidents can occur due to sudden icing, which can disrupt traffic significantly.
"PLEASE FOLLOW ANNOUNCEMENTS REGARDING SCHOOL CLOSURES"
It is essential for our disabled, pregnant, and elderly citizens to pay special attention and avoid going out in traffic; administrative leave announcements will be made. Please follow the announcements regarding school closures, and it is important for all workplaces that have the option of remote work to switch to this system. During such times, the presence of heavy vehicles in traffic can create a situation that will paralyze the entire region, so these vehicles should not enter traffic, and no risks should be taken. We continue to host our homeless citizens and meet all their needs. Our feeding efforts for street animals will continue. In case of any situation, our ALO153 Solution Center is available 24/7," he stated.
MANY DISTRICTS UNDER SNOW
Following the snow warning from the General Directorate of Meteorology, early in the morning, especially in Sultangazi, Eyüpsultan, and Küçükçekmece, the snow that showed its effect intermittently continues to increase in intensity in Arnavutköy and Başakşehir. While some areas affected by heavy snowfall have turned white, vehicles in Arnavutköy are struggling to move due to the accumulated snow on the roads.
FLIGHT REDUCTIONS AT ISTANBUL AIRPORT
At Istanbul Airport, the flight capacity is reduced by 15% for Wednesday, February 19, and this rate is set at 20% for Friday, February 21. With an average of 1,000 flights conducted daily at the airport, approximately 150 flights are expected to be canceled on February 19 and about 200 flights on February 21.
GRADUAL FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS AT SABİHA GÖKÇEN
At Sabiha Gökçen Airport, no flight cancellations are expected for February 19, while 10% of flights will be canceled on Thursday, February 20. In this context, Pegasus Airlines will cancel 46 flights, and Ajet Airlines will cancel 22 flights.
AIRLINE COMPANIES AND TEAMS ON STANDBY
As a precaution, a decision has been made to cancel 15% of flights for Friday, February 21. Accordingly, Pegasus will cancel 68 flights, and Ajet will cancel 34 flights. In the ministry's statement, it was noted that the flight crews' schedules at both airports are being reviewed and arrangements are being made for crews with critical shifts. Additionally, the number of standby crews has been increased, and airlines have taken additional measures to avoid disrupting their operations. Passengers are advised to follow the official announcements of the airlines for flight cancellations and updated flight information.
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