Schools closed tomorrow in Istanbul

Following warnings from the General Directorate of Meteorology and AKOM, snowfall is beginning to take effect in various parts of Istanbul. The Istanbul Regional Forecast and Early Warning Center of the Meteorology 1st Regional Directorate issued critical warnings for heavy snowfall that will begin tomorrow in Istanbul and last for 3 days.

Snowfall will take effect across the province starting tomorrow (February 20) morning.

It will intensify on Friday and Saturday, with heavy snowfall expected in some areas.

The snowfall will continue until noon on Sunday.

Icing and frost events are expected to last until Monday morning.

Authorities emphasized the need to be cautious against icing, transportation disruptions, and other negative conditions caused by the weather.

STATEMENT FROM AKOM

The Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Affairs Department has issued an orange-coded meteorological warning for Istanbul and its surroundings.

The following statements were included in the AKOM announcement:

Rain will begin starting at 12:00 PM.

Sleet and snowfall will be seen in higher elevations.

Snowfall will be effective across Istanbul starting from 10:00 PM.

The snow will increase in intensity on Friday, February 21, and will continue throughout the weekend.

STATEMENT FROM IMM

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) informed citizens via SMS ahead of the heavy snowfall.

The following statements were included in the message sent by the IMM:

"Dear Istanbulites; heavy snowfall is expected to affect our city for 3 days. All our teams are on alert. It is important not to take personal vehicles into traffic unless necessary, to use public transportation, and not to use vehicles without snow tires and chains."

ARE SCHOOLS CLOSED IN ISTANBUL?

According to the last-minute announcement from the Istanbul Governor's Office, schools have been closed for tomorrow.

The following statements were included in the announcement made by the Governor's Office:

According to data received from the General Directorate of Meteorology, heavy snowfall and icing are expected across our province.

Considering the safety of our students and citizens, education has been suspended in all educational institutions (kindergartens, primary schools, middle schools, and high schools) across Istanbul on February 20, 2025.

Additionally, disabled employees working in public institutions, female employees with children under the age of 8, and pregnant personnel will be considered on administrative leave.

I kindly request our citizens to be careful and cautious, and not to take their private vehicles into traffic unless necessary.