Authorities warned that the snowfall, which began on Wednesday in Istanbul, will be more intense over the weekend. Repeated warnings to citizens and efforts to guard the roads clear paid off on Thursday when the precipitation worsened. However, on Friday, the city witnessed more traffic disruptions, with drivers leaving their car and walking towards work or by public transport in certain places.
Snowfall, which is expected to continue sporadically through Monday, accompanied by blizzards has been heavier on the city is european side. Friday morning he caused traffic jams on the Trans-European Motorway (TEM), while traffic was considerably slow along E-5, another major highway straddling city.
Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya had earlier urged motorists not to drive unless it is an emergency, call on Istanbulites to use public transportation instead. The governorate had previously announced a ban on trucks but scrapped it later. Corn on On Friday, trucks were allowed but on expects the ban to be reimposed based on on the weather conditions. The governorate had also prohibits all intercity buses from leaving the city but the decision was reversed later – although this may change depending on the weather conditions. Trains and flights remain the only option to travel to and from city for now apart private vehicles.
Turkish Airlines (THY), the national transporter nationalcanceled 213 flights to and from Istanbul and Sabiha Gökçen airports on Friday due to bad weather weather. Around 162 more flights from Istanbul airport and 18 more from Sabiha Gokcen airport for Saturday were also cancelled, according to media reports.
Friday, Istanbul Chamber of Trade (ITO) announced than shopping centers in the city would open at 12 p.m. and close at 7 p.m. local time due to the weather conditions.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoğlu warned on Thursday evening that the situation would be “difficult” for the city between Saturday evening and Sunday morning but assured measures are in place for smooth transportation in the city of more over 15 millions people. the minister, who has been in Istanbul to monitor the ministry’s efforts to keep roads open, told reporters they had deployed teams, especially on highways.
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu said on Friday that snowfall also affected Bosphorus sea traffic and ferries operating between the Asian and European sides have been suspended for now. He was speaking at the Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM), where responses to weather- related incidents are coordinated. The mayor highlighted the expected heavy snowfall for Saturday and urged residents of the city “cancel their plans outside” on Saturday. “If you’re caught off guard for Phone weather conditions, you could put in danger the life of others too. I call to our fellow citizens not to hit the road unless absolutely necessary,” he said. Imamoğlu pointed out that public transport would be available, and metro services would run until 2 a.m. He said a streetcar line operating between Alibeyköy and Eminönü was also temporarily suspended due to snowfall but that the municipality had dispatched buses to transport the tram passengers.
“Please don’t be fooled by the decreasing snowfall at times. the weather Maybe clear when you go out but snowfall can hit anytime,” he warned.
In January, an unprecedented snowfall gripped the city and paralyzed daily life. Hundreds have been blocked on main roads for two days on the city is european side. Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), which had faced criticisms during the previous snow period, appeared more careful this time and deployed snow plows and tow trucks on main roads.
