Snowfall to increase its impact on Istanbul

The State Meteorological Service and the Istanbul Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) had warned of an impending snowfall in the Istanbul area, which began in the night hours on Feb. 9. Istanbul Governer Vasip ?ahin has announced on his official Twitter account that schools will not be closed on Feb. 10, since they do not expect heavy snowfall.

On Feb. 10, shortly after midnight, snowfall increased its impact on the European side of the city. Istanbul Municipality salt trucks are stationed at the main arterial roads in case of emergencies.

Officials have warned against heavy weather conditions for Feb. 11, as the snow on the Asian side is expected to reach 20 cm deep. 

The State Meteorological Service announced snowfall is expected to continue between Feb. 10 - 11 country-wide before decreasing on Feb. 12, however the cold weather will remain until the end of the week.

The temperature in Istanbul for Feb. 10 is expected to be 2 °C, and it will drop to 0 °C on Feb. 11 and Feb.12.

AKOM on alert for snowfall

According to AKOM's official statement, to avoid any disruptions caused by snowy weather conditions, Istanbul Municipality has stationed 1028 vehicles, heavy construction equipment and 4815 staff on main arterial roads.

Snowfall is also expected to hit the capital Ankara, as well as Çanakkale, Bal?kesir and Manisa in the Aegean region on Feb. 10, beginning in the early afternoon.