Turkey braces for storms as flights, ferries canceled

İSTANBUL - Doğan Haber Ajansı

DHA Photo

Turkish Airlines (THY) canceled 229 flights due to the heavy storm that took affect starting from 11 a.m. on Jan. 31, as inter-city ferry lines were also halted. 

The storm has also hit the province of Çanakkale as officials say these conditions are expected to last until Feb. 3. 

Banks of the Bosphorus are witnessing huge waves. 

The General Directorate of State Airports Authority and various airline companies took precautions against heavy storms and raining.

“Due to expected bad weather conditions, the THY is taking necessary precautions in order to avoid possible disruptions in the air,” the THY said in its announcement.

Istanbul Fast Ferries Co. Inc. (IDO) and Bursa’s BUDO also announced they have canceled trips from and to Istanbul.

Conditions expected to last until Feb 3
The storm will be effective on Jan. 30 onwards in the Aegean Sea starting from the afternoon, in the Marmara region and on the shores of Southwest Turkey starting from the evening with winds at 50-70 km/h speed. On Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, the storm will increase its impact in the West and Southwest of Turkey, mid and northwest of the Black Sea region with winds at 60-80 km/h and in the Marmara region with winds at 80-100 km/h. The storm is expected to last until Feb. 3.

Storm conditions and the apparent increase in temperature may cause snowmelts in areas under snow. Officials have warned of unexpected floats, carbon monoxide poisoning and disruptions in air and sea traffic.

Ferry trips to Gökçeada and Bozcaada canceled from Jan 29-Feb 1
Ferries to Gökçeada and Bozcaada are also canceled from Jan. 29-Feb. 1 due to the heavy storm .

On Jan. 29, Gestaş Corporates announced they have canceled all ferry trips to Gökçeada and Bozcaada until Feb. 1 due to heavy winds.

Wind to reach 100 km/h
According to the State Meteorological Service, starting from the evening hours of Jan. 31, winds are estimated to reach 90 km/h and 100 km/h on Feb. 1.

Collapse of crane kills one, injures one

A taxi driver was killed while his passenger was injured after a crane at a stadium construction site in the northwestern province of Bursa was toppled over by the ongoing Lodos weather pattern that has been affecting western Turkey.

Disruptions to high-speed train line

A tree also collapsed on the Istanbul-Ankara high-speed train line, causing power cuts between Bilecik and Demirköy. Scheduled trains from Bilecik’s Osmaneli district to Eskişehir have also been canceled.