11.02.2025 16:12
Due to heavy snowfall in Istanbul, schools have been closed in 9 districts, and attention has turned to whether schools across the city will be closed and to the Istanbul Governorship. The General Directorate of Meteorology announced that strong snowfall is expected in the northwest of Istanbul starting from 6:00 PM this evening.
```html
After days of warnings from the General Directorate of Meteorology and AKOM, snowfall began to show its effects in Istanbul starting last night.
METEOROLOGY GAVE THE TIME
While schools were closed in 9 districts of Istanbul, the General Directorate of Meteorology noted that precipitation would occur much more intensely in the northwest of the city as of 18:00.
EDUCATION SUSPENDED IN 9 DISTRICTS
As the snow fell heavily in the morning hours, many roads were closed to traffic, and following the developments, schools were closed in Küçükçekmece, Büyükçekmece, Beylikdüzü, Sultangazi, Beykoz, Başakşehir, Avcılar, Esenyurt, and Arnavutköy districts of Istanbul.
STATEMENT FROM THE ISTANBUL GOVERNORATE
After the consecutive holiday news, Istanbul residents were curious whether education would be suspended citywide, and the expected statement came from the Governorate.
"SUSPENSION OF EDUCATION CITYWIDE IS NOT ON THE AGENDA"
In the statement made by the Istanbul Governorate, the following expressions were included; "The snowfall that is effective in the northern districts of Istanbul is not affecting the southern and central districts of the city. Therefore, the suspension of education citywide is not on the agenda."
Regarding the suspension of education in schools in the districts where snowfall is effective, the District Public Health Boards have been authorized. In this context, education has been suspended for one day (Tuesday, February 11, 2025) in Küçükçekmece, Büyükçekmece, Beylikdüzü, Sultangazi, Beykoz, Başakşehir, Avcılar, Esenyurt, and Arnavutköy districts by the decision of the District Public Health Board."
SIBERIAN COLD WILL AFFECT ISTANBUL
According to meteorology experts, Istanbul is under the influence of a cold air wave originating from Siberia. After the snowfall, it is expected that air temperatures will vary between 3 and 6°C, and the risk of frost and icing will increase during the night hours.
According to the data from the Early Warning System for Icing (BEUS), it is predicted that air temperatures will remain 3 to 6°C below the average for February.
METEOROLOGY GAVE THE TIME: THIS TIME IT'S VERY STRONG
The General Directorate of Meteorology issued a new warning for the snowfall in Istanbul. In the warning published for the northwest of Istanbul, it was stated that strong local snowfall would be observed from 18:00 this evening until 18:00 tomorrow evening. In the statement, it was noted, "According to the latest assessments; starting from this evening, strong local snowfall (5-10 cm, up to 15 cm in higher areas) is expected in the northwest of Istanbul, the northeast of Tekirdağ, and the east of Kırklareli, so caution and measures should be taken against disruptions in transportation, icing, and frost."
TRAFFIC CONGESTION EXPECTED AFTER WORKING HOURS
After the snowfall that has gripped the megacity, traffic congestion is expected throughout the city. Following the heavy snowfall in the morning hours, the congestion reached 71% according to İBB data.
FLIGHTS CANCELLED AT SABİHA GÖKÇEN
Due to the precipitation, 5% of the flights planned for today at Sabiha Gökçen Airport have been cancelled. Additionally, it was announced that 10% of the flights expected to take place tomorrow would also be cancelled.
```