18.02.2025 20:01
Due to the expected heavy snowfall in Istanbul, the first cancellation news has started to come in. It was announced that 10% of flights at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport would be canceled on Thursday, February 20, and 15% on Friday, February 21. Turkish Airlines also announced that some of its flights have been canceled.
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Due to the expected adverse weather conditions in Istanbul, it has been announced that 10% of flights at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport will be canceled on Thursday, February 20, and 15% on Friday, February 21.
SEVERE SNOW WARNING FOR ISTANBUL
The Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has issued an orange-coded meteorological warning for Istanbul and its surroundings. It was particularly noted that heavy snowfall is expected in the megacity on Friday.
FLIGHTS AT SABIHA GÖKÇEN WILL BE CANCELED
Following the snow warning, a new arrangement was made regarding flights at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. In a statement from the Sabiha Gökçen International Airport Authority HEAŞ, it was stated, "Due to the expected adverse weather conditions at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, 10% of flights on February 20 and 15% of flights on February 21 will be canceled, as decided by the Meteorological Emergency Committee. All passengers are advised to check the latest status of their flights through the websites and call centers of the relevant airlines."
CITIZENS ARE ADVISED TO BE CAUTIOUS
Additionally, according to the report published by AKOM, Istanbul residents are advised to be cautious due to the severe weather conditions that will be effective from tomorrow afternoon. It was announced that temperatures in Istanbul will drop rapidly due to cold air waves coming from Siberia, and snowfall will be effective along with a storm.
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM AKOM
AKOM stated that public institutions and citizens should take necessary precautions and recommended the following measures:
Avoid going out in traffic unless necessary, keep winter tires and chains in vehicles, protect water, natural gas, and electricity installations, and provide warm shelters for those left on the streets and food for living beings.
While it is expected that the weather conditions will be effective in Istanbul for at least a week, it is recommended to follow developments through announcements from AKOM and the General Directorate of Meteorology.
According to AKOM's forecasts, the snow thickness will vary by region:
South of E-5 (central districts) 5-15 cm,
Between E-5 and TEM 10-30 cm,
North of TEM and in high areas 20-40 cm,
In northern regions and high-altitude areas, snow cover will exceed 40 cm.
WILL SCHOOLS BE CLOSED?
Meteorological Engineer Adil Tek stated that snowfall will be effective throughout Istanbul and drew attention to the possibility of schools being closed. Tek said, "Heavy snowfall is expected in Istanbul on Thursday and Friday," and added, "Snow thickness may vary between 5 to 30 centimeters depending on the region. Therefore, the governor's office and authorities may decide to close schools considering the weather conditions."
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