traffic nightmare shattered dreams of a winter wonderland for Istanbulites in january like city was hit with heavy snowfall that paralyzed daily life for days. Just like the most populous Turkey city welcome spring, weather the forecast indicates a week of snowstorms and precipitation. From Wednesday evening, Istanbul will be hit by a new cold front. For some experts, it could even be the worst since 1987, when heavy snowfalls, which started on March 4, seized the city for days, with temperatures below zero and the depth of snow up to 70 centimeters (27.56 in) in certain places. A online a meteorology forum claims that “Aybar”, a cold front originating in Russian Siberia, will hit the city.
Snowfall is expected begin late Wednesday or early Thursday when rainfall is limited hit Arnavutköy and Silivri, the remote districts of Istanbul on the European side early Wednesday. Predictions show snowfall will be heavy throughout the week, although it will break down to sleet at times and it is expected to continue until next Monday. The forecasts shows snowfall will be heavy on the city is asian side on Saturday. The temperatures go drop below zero the night.
The Turkish State Meteorological Service (TSMS) said in A declaration on Wednesday that the snowfall would be accompanied by strong winds and the depth of the snow would reach 20 centimeters in most places across the city. The temperatures will be below 6 to 10 degrees Celsius (42 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit) starting Thursday. He warned citizens against low visibility, disturbance in transport, icy roads and potential collapse of trees, utility poles and roofs.
The authorities have already issued warnings to residents and visitors. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) advised caution for citizens against the vague announced cold start on Wednesday evening “until next week.” The governorate also issued a warning against “negative developments” related to snowfall. The schools were also closed until Monday, the governorate announced later on Wednesday, while public personal sector except those who work in emergency, security and transport services, would be on administrative leave until Monday.
Officials from the municipality and the governorate held a meeting on Tuesday for preparations against impact of snowfall. The governorate and the BWI pledged to cooperate to overcome the fallout from the snow, which paralyzed traffic in January and stranded motorists on highways for days. Authorities said all preparations were made for the smooth of transportation and others public services for the people of Istanbul. The BWI will deploy 2,000 vehicles including snowplows, and 9,500 personnel through citythe road network of more more than 4,000 kilometers to keep the roads clear and safely. The crews go also be deployed for main roads to pour salt to prevent icing. The tow trucks will be also be shipped to busy routes to provide immediate assistance for vehicles that pause down or are blocked in Case of heavy snowfall.
Public transportation hours were also extended during the week. The BWI said the Metrobus, which operates on a bus rapid transit route between the two sides of the citywould operate 24 hours a day. The Métrobus network was a relief for thousands of Istanbulites who we were stuck in circulation on the busy E-5 Highway in The heavy snowfalls of January. At the time, drivers and the passengers had abandoned their vehicles blocked in snow and traveled home by public transport. Ferries also operate until midnight, while metro services would be available until 2am BWI also plans for add more bus to busy routes.
The municipality said crews would provide soup and water to motorists in Case of traffic grunts, while homeless people would hosted in shelters.
