19.02.2025 14:41
Following the warnings issued by the General Directorate of Meteorology and AKOM, the expected snowfall in Istanbul began in the morning hours. The snowfall, which is particularly affecting the European side and higher elevations, is also having an impact on the Asian side. As the situation escalated to a red alert level regarding the snow, the Istanbul Governorship published a warning consisting of 7 points.
After the warnings from the General Directorate of Meteorology, the snowfall that started in the high areas of Istanbul in the morning continues. It is stated that the precipitation will last until the weekend, and the Istanbul Governorship has published warnings item by item.
EUROPEAN SIDE TURNED WHITE On the European Side, the snow, which has been intermittently effective in Sultangazi, Eyüpsultan, and Küçükçekmece, has intensified in Arnavutköy and Başakşehir. After the high areas, the snowfall, which has started to be effective throughout the city, is also showing its effects in Bağcılar, Esenler, Kağıthane, Sarıyer, Beyoğlu, and Beşiktaş.
SCHOOLS CLOSED IN 1 DISTRICT OF ISTANBUL As the heavy snowfall increases its effect across Istanbul, education has been suspended in Sultangazi.
RAIN HAS STARTED ON THE ASIAN SIDE AS WELL Snowfall has also started in the Ümraniye district of the Asian Side. While some areas of the city covered in heavy precipitation have turned white, drivers are trying to proceed cautiously due to the accumulated snow on the roads.
The Kemerburgaz Airport road, where the snowfall is intense, has turned white. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) snow fighting teams are working on salting and clearing the road to keep the Istanbul Airport road open. Due to the snow, traffic congestion has occurred on the road, and vehicles are moving slowly.
SNOWFALL INCREASED, TRAFFIC BECAME DENSE Especially the covering of main roads with snow, where traffic and vehicle density are experienced, has brought some negative consequences. While some drivers are struggling to move on the road due to the snow, others are having difficulty controlling their vehicles on the slippery road. Some drivers who could not proceed on Hasdal Road due to heavy precipitation pulled their vehicles to the side of the road. A driver who could not proceed on the Beykoz Riva road due to the white cover parked their vehicle on the roadside. In Sultangazi and Arnavutköy, where the intensity of snow continues, reduced visibility has caused difficult moments for drivers on the road. Due to vehicles struggling to move on the roads, traffic flow is slow in some areas of the city.
GOVERNORATE ANNOUNCED SNOW PRECAUTIONS The statement from the Istanbul Governorship is as follows;
"According to the data from the General Directorate of Meteorology, it is expected that the snowfall, which has started to be effective throughout our province, will continue intermittently until the evening hours of Monday, February 24, 2025.
As the Istanbul Governorship, we have implemented a series of measures to prevent the negative effects that snowfall may create in the lives of our citizens. In this context;
The Istanbul Disaster Response Plan (TAMP) has started its operations as of 08:30 on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the AFAD Provincial Center and in 39 districts on a 24-hour basis. The 23 main working groups established within the scope of TAMP will continue their work uninterrupted during this process.
On highways, bridges, viaducts, and all main roads, our teams from Highways, the Metropolitan Municipality, District Municipalities, and private highway operators will carry out planned activities against icing. Security units will continue tire inspections without interruption. During times of increased snowfall, the depot areas created on the sides of the highways will be used as vehicle deployment centers, prioritizing high-tonnage vehicles. As the Istanbul Governorship, we absolutely do not allow the homeless to remain on the streets. During this process, we will continue to place homeless citizens in pre-determined accommodation facilities. It is of vital importance for our citizens to report homeless individuals living on the streets to 112. The number of existing intervention teams in electricity, water, natural gas, and other infrastructure services will be increased to ensure that potential problems are resolved more quickly. Our health treatment service teams, especially emergency health services, have been reinforced. In case of possible situations of being stranded on the road, the nutrition working group will take necessary precautions to prevent potential grievances. 7-ITEM WARNING FROM THE GOVERNORATE As the Istanbul Governorship, we kindly request our citizens to show maximum sensitivity on the following issues to navigate this process in the healthiest way:
Not going outside unless absolutely necessary, Not using private vehicles, Using public transport vehicles when needed, Absolutely not taking to the traffic with private vehicles that do not have snow tires, Private sector organizations should plan their personnel and work according to weather conditions... Due to adverse weather conditions, there are frequent cancellations of sea and air services. Citizens using sea and air transport should check the flight information in advance to avoid grievances, which will help prevent potential grievances."