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Heavy snowfall begins in Istanbul: Traffic and safety warning from IMM President İmamoğlu

Ahead of the expected heavy snowfall and the Altay Snowstorm in Istanbul, IMM President Ekrem İmamoğlu issued important warnings via social media. Calling on citizens to avoid driving, to work remotely, and to use winter tires, İmamoğlu emphasized the need for caution. Here is İmamoğlu's statement...

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The expected snowfall in Istanbul will begin to take effect this evening. Following warnings from the Meteorology Department and AKOM, another warning came from IMM President Ekrem İmamoğlu.

In a post on X, İmamoğlu stated, "Here are some of our warnings regarding the heavy snowfall expected to grip Istanbul and last for 3 days; as the IMM, we are on duty with all our vehicles and personnel on all roads within our area of responsibility," and added the following:

'DO NOT DRIVE UNLESS NECESSARY' WARNING

"We are in cooperation with other institutions and organizations responsible for areas such as the Northern Marmara Motorway and airport connections.

Our district municipalities will also be on alert; we have provided them with solution and salt support, and solution work is being carried out on pedestrian axes in central points.

The most important point is traffic. In the event of precipitation expected to be extraordinary, it is important not to take personal vehicles out into traffic unless necessary, and to use winter tires and chains in mandatory cases. During such times, many minor accidents can occur due to sudden icing, which can reach a point that disrupts all traffic.

CALL FOR REMOTE WORK

It is necessary for our disabled, pregnant, and elderly citizens to be especially careful and not to go out into traffic; administrative leave announcements will be made.

Follow the announcements regarding the status of school closures; it is important for all workplaces with remote work capabilities to switch to this system.

During such times, high-tonnage vehicles remaining in traffic can create a situation that paralyzes the entire region and prevents intervention; therefore, these vehicles must not enter traffic, and no risks should be taken under any circumstances.

We continue to host our homeless citizens and are meeting all their needs.

Our feeding efforts for stray animals will continue.

In case of any emergency, our ALO153 Solution Center is providing 24/7 service."