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Severe winter conditions continued to affect Istanbul on Monday, as heavy snowfall, strong winds, and freezing temperatures caused major disruptions across the city. Authorities issued multiple warnings, urging residents to exercise caution as adverse weather conditions persist.
According to the Turkish State Meteorological Service, air temperatures nationwide are forecast to remain below seasonal averages. Strong northerly winds are expected to blow at speeds of 40 to 70 kilometers per hour, reaching storm intensity in parts of Marmara, the Black Sea region, coastal Aegean areas and western sections of Eastern Anatolia.
In response to worsening road conditions, the Istanbul Governor’s Office announced that heavy vehicles and motorcycle couriers are banned from traffic as of 10 a.m. until further notice.
Heavy snowfall during the morning hours led to significant traffic congestion throughout the city. Data from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality indicated that traffic density exceeded 80% during peak hours. Major transportation routes, including the D-100 highway, TEM motorway, 15 July Martyrs Bridge, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, Halic Bridge and Eurasia Tunnel connections, experienced severe slowdowns.
In several districts, vehicles were stranded on snow-covered streets, while public transportation services faced delays and interruptions. In some areas, buses were unable to proceed, forcing passengers to continue their journeys on foot.
Meteorological authorities reported that snowfall in Istanbul is expected to continue until the afternoon before weakening toward the evening. Coastal areas may see snowfall transition into sleet or rain as temperatures rise slightly.
Across the country, heavy and locally intense snowfall is forecast for northeastern Marmara, the Black Sea region, eastern Anatolia, and surrounding provinces, including Tokat, Sivas and Siirt. Warnings have also been issued for icing, frost, reduced visibility due to fog and avalanche risk in high-altitude regions of Eastern Anatolia and the Eastern Black Sea interior.
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