Heavy snowfall continues to blanket Istanbul, paralyzing city as cold front set to last until Monday
Maiden's Tower is seen as the snowfall continues intermittently in Uskudar district of Istanbul, Türkiye, Feb. 22, 2025. (AA Photo)
Snowfall continues intermittently across Istanbul, particularly affecting higher elevations. The snowstorm, which intensified in some districts during the evening, has disrupted daily life, with icy roads and freezing temperatures. Meanwhile, authorities have taken wide-ranging measures to mitigate the impact.
On Istanbul’s European side, districts such as Fatih, Sultangazi, Basaksehir, and Kucukcekmece saw intermittent snowfall, with some areas experiencing near-blizzard conditions.
Despite the brief duration of snowfall, streets and parks were quickly covered in white, with children enjoying snowball fights and building snowmen.
The Asian side, including Umraniye, Beykoz, and Uskudar, also experienced snow, particularly in smaller streets.
While drivers faced challenges on side roads, main roads remained largely accessible.
Snowstrom to continue until Monday
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) reported snow depths of 30-40 cm in northern areas. AKOM’s statement also noted varying snow accumulations across the city, with 10-20 cm between the D-100 and TEM highways and up to 40 cm in the north.
The Siberian cold front, affecting the city since February 19, is forecast to last until Monday, keeping temperatures 6-8°C below seasonal averages until February 25, after which they are expected to normalize.
Courier and motorcycle ban lifted
To ensure public safety, snow plowing and salting operations are being conducted with 13,115 personnel and 3,582 vehicles
A total of 67,657 tons of salt and 80 tons of solution have been deployed.
Governor Davut Gul announced through his social media account that restrictions on motorcycles and couriers, imposed due to the weather, would be lifted at 8:00 a.m. local time on Sunday, February 23.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul had previously announced that, due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions, motorcycles, especially those used for courier services, as well as electric scooters, would be prohibited from operating until further notice. Schools were also closed on February 21.
Winter storm impact extends beyond Istanbul
The storm is also affecting neighboring regions, including Kocaeli, Sakarya, Duzce, and Bolu, where snow accumulations above 20 cm are expected in higher elevations.
Authorities have warned of transportation delays and hazardous road conditions.
In Türkiye’s eastern Marmara, Central Anatolia, Black Sea, and eastern Anatolia regions, heavy snowfall is forecast, with coastal Black Sea areas facing intense snowfall, icy roads, and low visibility.
Meteorologists have warned of potential avalanches in high-altitude areas and strong winds of 40-60 km/h in Central Anatolia and parts of the Mediterranean region.
