Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Life Across Türkiye, Schools Closed in 23 Provinces

A powerful cold wave and heavy snowfall have paralyzed daily life in more than 20 provinces across Türkiye, leading authorities to suspend educational activities and impose travel restrictions in several regions. With temperatures plunging below seasonal norms, severe weather conditions have cut off access to rural roads in 25 cities, while schools in 23 provinces will remain closed on Feb. 7 as a precaution.

Istanbul and Kocaeli Hit by Wintry Conditions

In Istanbul, snow and sleet that began on Jan. 5 continue to intermittently affect northern districts, blanketing higher altitudes in snow. Meteorologists predict a shift to rainfall over the weekend, offering some relief from the winter storm. In the neighboring province of Kocaeli, authorities have banned scooters, motorcycles, and delivery couriers from operating on the roads due to dangerous driving conditions caused by the snow and ice.

Snow Depth Reaches 80 cm in Bartın, 50 cm in Düzce

• In Düzce, snowfall that started earlier this week has accumulated to 50 centimeters in higher elevations.
• Bartın has recorded 80 centimeters of snow in mountainous areas, while the city center remains covered under 20 centimeters.
• More than 1,000 village roads in the Black Sea region are completely blocked due to snow accumulation.

Avalanche Warnings Issued for Eastern Türkiye

Authorities have issued avalanche warnings for the interior highlands of the Eastern Black Sea and the steep slopes of Eastern Anatolia, urging residents to exercise extreme caution.

Freezing Temperatures Threaten Crops in Antalya

In contrast to the snowy conditions in the north, Antalya’s southern farmlands are grappling with freezing nighttime temperatures, which have forced local farmers to stay up overnight to protect their crops from frost damage. Greenhouse owners remain on high alert, carefully monitoring their produce to prevent losses. As Türkiye battles this harsh winter spell, authorities continue to take preventive measures to ensure public safety and mitigate disruptions caused by the extreme weather.