Heavy Snow Set to Bury Parts of Turkey

By Adam Douty, Meteorologist

February 8,2015; 7:45PM,EST

 

 

A large area of low pressure will track across Greece and into western Turkey early this week bringing rain and heavy snow across much of the country. Impacts will range from near-blizzard conditions in western parts of the country to potentially flooding rain along the southern coast.
As the storm begins to develop on Monday across Greece, generally light showers and mountain snow will be found across western Turkey. However, more widespread rain will spread along the southern coast and heavier snow will fall in the east causing difficult travel to begin the new week.
Conditions will deteriorate Monday night and into Tuesday in western parts of the country as the storm reaches its peak intensity.

Temperatures will fall below freezing across western and central Turkey Monday night leading to any rain changing to snow in areas from Ankara to Eskisehir and Denizli. Moderate to occasionally heavy snow will fall through Tuesday. Coastal areas will remain rain or a rain and snow mix.
Snow will continue through Tuesday and Tuesday night with accumulations in excess of 15 cm (6 inches) across widespread areas. Harder hit areas, particularly in mountains areas in northwestern parts of the country, will see 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) of snow.

Snow may continue to accumulate into Wednesday.
This will likely shut down roads, making travel impossible. Additionally, gusty winds could create snow drifts over meter deep (about 3 feet).
RELATED:
AccuWeather.com Turkey Weather Center
Detailed AccuWeather.com Forecast for Ankara
Detailed AccuWeather.com Forecast for Istanbul
Not only will this storm bring heavy snow, but moisture being pulled to the north from the Mediterranean Sea will bring heavy rain along the southern coast of Turkey. 50 mm (1-2 inches) of rain is expected to fall from Antalya to Icel. Locally 75 mm (3 inches) is possible.
While this will not lead to significant flooding, low lying and poor drainage areas could experience minor flooding.
This storm will take its time exiting the region, causing rain and snow showers to likely remain into the and of the week. However, during this time, additional impacts will generally be minor.