Stay Safe in Istanbul: Important Warnings for Specific Hours
As temperatures across the country are expected to drop by 10-15 degrees this weekend, Istanbul is bracing for severe rain and storms starting today. According to the latest weather report, the country will experience partly cloudy and cloudy weather with rain in various regions. Thunderstorms are expected in coastal areas, while higher elevations may see a mix of rain and snow.
Hourly Cautions
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) has issued a statement warning of the impact of a low-pressure system affecting the Marmara Region, particularly Istanbul. The wind is expected to strengthen from the southwest and northwest, leading to gusts and potentially strong storms. Temperatures are also forecasted to drop by 8-10 degrees.
Starting from midnight, the wind is predicted to intensify in Istanbul until Saturday afternoon, with intermittent stormy conditions. Rainfall is expected between 12:00 and 21:00 on Friday and from 08:00 to 20:00 on Saturday.
Warnings from Authorities
The İBB and Istanbul Governor’s Office have both issued warnings to the public. The İBB emphasized the expected strong winds and temperature drop, urging citizens to be cautious and contact emergency services if needed. The Governor’s Office advised vigilance against sudden floods, lightning, hail, strong winds, and transportation disruptions.
Precautions from Gas Companies
The Istanbul Gas Distribution Company (İGDAŞ) also released safety tips for natural gas users:
– Ensure proper ventilation for gas appliances by keeping air vents open.
– Turn off gas appliances such as boilers and stoves before sleeping and avoid sleeping in the same room as these devices.
Transport Disruptions
Due to unfavorable weather conditions, ferry services by City Lines, İDO, and BUDO have been canceled. However, flights at Istanbul’s Atatürk and Sabiha Gökçen airports are reportedly operating without issues.
In Avcılar, massive waves reaching up to 5 meters have been observed, with some waves surpassing rocky outcrops and reaching the fishermen’s harbor. The strong southwest wind has caused waves to breach the shoreline at Ambarlı Beach, flooding the area between the harbor and the sea. Some fishermen have moved their boats closer to shore to prevent any damage.
As Istanbul prepares for inclement weather, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates as needed to minimize any potential risks. Stay safe and heed the warnings during these specific hours of concern in Istanbul.
