Consecutive warnings from Meteorology and AKOM: It will intensify on Friday and Saturday! Will schools be closed?
The snowfall that has been continuing intermittently in Istanbul since yesterday will increase in intensity throughout the weekend. Meteorology and AKOM have warned citizens to be careful, stating that snow depth could reach up to 40 cm in some areas. The heavy snowfall expected on Friday and Saturday may lead to disruptions in transportation.
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Istanbul has turned white under the influence of a cold air wave. The snowfall, which has been continuing intermittently since yesterday, has been increasing in intensity in many parts of the city since the morning hours.
IT WILL INTENSIFY EVEN FURTHER
According to statements made by the General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM) and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM), snowfall in Istanbul will intensify even further on Friday and Saturday.
Officials stated that snow depth could reach 40 cm, especially in higher areas, and announced that icing and frost events will be effective until Monday morning.
While yellow-coded warnings have been issued for Istanbul, it was stated that citizens should be careful when going out, prefer public transport instead of private vehicles, and take precautions against the risk of icing.
Stating that the snowfall will continue until the weekend, MGM officials announced that precipitation may be seen in the form of blizzards, especially on Friday and Saturday, and that this could cause serious disruptions in transportation.
So, how long will the snow last in Istanbul? Will schools be closed tomorrow (February 21)? Here are the latest warnings and weather forecasts from Meteorology and AFAD…
WHEN WILL THE SNOW BE EFFECTIVE IN ISTANBUL?
The Istanbul Regional Forecast and Early Warning Center of the 1st Regional Directorate of Meteorology announced that snowfall across Istanbul will strengthen on Friday and Saturday and will continue until Sunday noon.
AKOM: SNOWFALL WILL INTENSIFY EVEN FURTHER
In its latest assessment, AKOM reported that the light snowfall seen today will be much more effective tomorrow. In the AKOM warning, it was stated: "Due to the cold and rainy system expected to be effective in our region throughout the week, temperatures are expected to hover between -2 and 3°C, and the precipitation, which will be seen as sleet and light snow today, is expected to continue to be effective as heavy, and in some places intense, snow starting from Friday."
WARNING FROM METEOROLOGY AND AFAD
The General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM) has updated its 5-day weather forecast map.
Heavy snowfall is expected across Turkey for the next 3 days.
A large part of the country will be under the influence of snowfall on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
AFAD has issued orange-coded warnings for 8 provinces and yellow-coded warnings for 26 provinces due to the expected snowfall.
Officials warned drivers to be careful, to prefer public transport, and not to go into traffic unless necessary.
WILL SCHOOLS BE CLOSED TOMORROW IN ISTANBUL?
While schools are closed today in Istanbul, citizens are wondering whether a similar decision will be made for tomorrow.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül stated that the decision regarding whether schools will be closed on Friday, February 21, will be made by the evening hours.
If the snowfall increases in intensity, extending the closure may be on the agenda. Officials will follow the weather conditions and make an announcement during the day.
BIG SNOWFALL IS COMING
Meteorological Engineer Hüseyin Öztel stated that more snow is expected in Istanbul compared to other cities, and expressed that the most intense snowfall in the Marmara Region will be experienced on the Istanbul-Düzce-Karasu line.
Öztel shared his predictions with the following words:
"The big snow is approaching the megacity. Snowfall in Istanbul will continue until the morning of Monday, February 24. At least 10 cm of snow accumulation can be seen in coastal districts, and up to 50 cm in inland and higher areas. An estimated average snow depth of 30 cm may form across the city."
Öztel emphasized that this heavy snowfall was last seen in 2017 and that no significant change is expected in the forecasts.
IT WILL INTENSIFY ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
Stating that the strongest snowfall in Istanbul will be experienced on Friday and Saturday, Öztel made the following warnings:
"Even going grocery shopping might become difficult in northern districts like Sarıyer. Snowfall will increase in intensity in the west of Istanbul, towards Thrace and in the direction of Çanakkale, on Saturday afternoon and during the night. Drivers who will use western roads need to be prepared for risks."
Öztel also stated that snow is already effective in higher areas such as Beykoz and Sarıyer, and that other districts of the city will be exposed to heavy snowfall in the coming hours.