05.02.2025 14:31
The expected snowfall in Istanbul began to show its effects in the high areas in the morning hours and in the northern districts in the afternoon. AKOM stated that the snowfall would increase in intensity in the coming hours and that the precipitation would continue until Friday. Meanwhile, while a large part of the country was covered in white, education was suspended in some districts of Nevşehir, Konya, and Giresun.
The expected snowfall in Istanbul has been effective since the early hours of the morning. Especially in the high areas of the city, snowfall has shown its impact. It was observed that snowfall was also effective in the Aydos Forest and its surroundings, which are located in the high parts of the Kartal district. In the afternoon, snowfall began in the northern parts. In the provinces where heavy snowfall has been effective, education has been suspended.
IT WILL INCREASE ITS IMPACT IN THE AFTERNOON
According to a statement from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM), starting from the early hours of today, mixed rain and short-term snowfall have begun to be effective, especially in the northern districts of Istanbul, and according to meteorological forecasts, it is noted that the precipitation is expected to increase in intensity from noon onwards and continue as locally heavy snowfall until Friday morning.
The statement indicated that no significant negative incidents have occurred so far due to the snowfall, and salting works have been carried out in the northern and high regions of Istanbul since the night hours to prevent icing.
MEASURES TAKEN AGAINST SNOWFALL
The statement emphasized that the teams on the North Marmara Highway used 99 tons of salt, 22 tons of solution, ICA teams used 74 tons of salt, 26 tons of solution, 7 tons of urea, and IBB road maintenance teams used 65 tons of salt, and it was highlighted that a total of 538 people, 462 of whom are men and 76 are women, have been hosted in IBB facilities so far.
The statement also reported that the IBB Veterinary Services Directorate teams distributed 2 tons of nutritious dry food daily at 520 points for the feeding of stray animals.
WHAT TIME WILL SNOWFALL START IN ISTANBUL?
Meteorology expert Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen announced how the snowfall in Istanbul will progress hour by hour and used the following statements:
"Snowfall will start in the afternoon. Mixed rain will be seen in low-lying areas.
During the night hours, snowfall will be fully effective. Although very heavy precipitation is not expected, it is likely that the snow will stay on the ground."
Şen stated, "If we collect the snow that falls for 3 days, it won't exceed 2 centimeters on the ground if it doesn't melt," indicating that it is difficult for a permanent snow cover to form in Istanbul.
SNOW IS COMING TO ISTANBUL AGAIN ON FEBRUARY 13-14
Şen said, "Snowfall is coming back to Istanbul on February 13-14. This snowfall seems to be a bit stronger. It may stay on the ground a bit more."
YELLOW ALERT IN 24 CITIES TODAY, 27 TOMORROW
Meteorology issued a yellow alert for 24 cities today. Here are those provinces: "Antalya, Bursa, Erzincan, Giresun, Gümüşhane, Mersin, Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kocaeli, Malatya, Nevşehir, Niğde, Ordu, Sakarya, Sinop, Sivas, Tokat, Trabzon, Tunceli, Zonguldak, Bayburt, Bartın, Yalova, Düzce."
Tomorrow, an alert was issued for "Adana, Antalya, Bursa, Erzincan, Giresun, Gümüşhane, Hakkari, Hatay, Mersin, Kastamonu, Kocaeli, Malatya, Kahramanmaraş, Ordu, Sakarya, Sinop, Sivas, Tokat, Trabzon, Tunceli, Zonguldak, Bayburt, Şırnak, Bartın, Yalova, Osmaniye, Düzce."
HOLIDAY DECISION IN GİRESUN'S ALUCRA DISTRICT
In Giresun's Alucra district, education has been suspended for one day in all schools, and in Şebinkarahisar district, education has been suspended in schools that provide transportation education.
In a statement from the Alucra District Governorship, it was stated that education has been suspended at all educational levels due to the risk of heavy snow and icing.
It was also noted that in Şebinkarahisar, education has been suspended today in schools that provide transportation education due to snow, frost, and icing.
EDUCATION SUSPENDED IN 2 DISTRICTS OF KONYA
In Konya's Hadim and Güneysınır districts, education has been suspended today for students receiving transportation education due to adverse weather conditions.
In a statement from the Konya Governorship, it was expressed that heavy snowfall, icing, and blizzards are expected throughout the day.
The statement recorded the following:
"As a preventive measure against possible disruptions in transportation and potential risks and negative incidents, education has been suspended today for students receiving transportation education in primary and secondary schools in Hadim and Güneysınır districts."
SCHOOLS IN NEVŞEHİR ANNOUNCED AS HOLIDAY
In Nevşehir, education has been suspended for one day as a precaution against potential risks and dangers in transportation due to adverse weather conditions.
In a written statement from the Nevşehir Governorship, it was stated, "Due to adverse weather conditions throughout our province, as a precaution against potential risks and dangers in transportation, education has been suspended for one (1) day on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, for primary, secondary, and special education students who are provided access to our schools through transportation from our villages and towns."
ALERTS HAVE ALSO BEEN ISSUED AT AIRPORTS
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure announced that necessary precautions have been taken by holding a MADKOM (Meteorological Emergency Committee) meeting at the crisis centers of Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport against the expected snowfall and icing risk in Istanbul. In this context, it was decided that Turkish Airlines would cancel up to 5% of its flights today (approximately 50 flights) and up to 10% of its flights tomorrow (approximately 100 flights) at Istanbul Airport, according to the decisions made during the meeting. At Sabiha Gökçen Airport, it was deemed sufficient to cancel 10% of flights today, and in addition to the 10% cancellation rate for tomorrow, an additional 20% of flights will be canceled, and a 10% cancellation will be made for Friday. While Ajet canceled 21 flights today, 61 tomorrow, and 22 on Friday, Pegasus canceled 43 flights today, 123 tomorrow, and 44 on Friday. Snow removal team vehicles have been positioned near the runway heads at the airports, and vehicles and equipment are on standby.