Meteorologists warn: Stay away from Istanbul! A strong storm is coming

The Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued a critical weather report for the new week. Turkey is expected to be hit by a "cyclonic wave" of heavy, rainy weather coming from Greece starting tonight. Heavy rainfall is expected in Istanbul and Bursa starting at 3:00 am tonight, writes Haberler.com, quoted by Focus.

According to the latest forecast by the Turkish State Meteorological Service, the first effects of the cyclone will be felt tonight along the western and southern coasts of the Marmara region. Weather conditions will deteriorate rapidly and by 3:00 AM, cities in the Marmara region, especially Istanbul, will be affected by heavy rainfall.

Precipitation warning: Istanbul and coastal cities are key points

The system will intensify its impact and spread south from Tuesday morning. Continuous and heavy rainfall is expected along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and inland areas. Due to the high humidity and the potential for heavy rainfall brought by the cyclone, there is a high risk of flooding and inundation in the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean regions, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday. Maritime shipping along the coasts and rising sea levels are possible due to the storm.

This heavy, rainy air mass moving over Greece will not be limited to the western regions. According to the National Security Council (MGM), the cyclonic wave will affect a large part of the country throughout the week, bringing intermittent heavy rainfall. The impact of the rain system will continue until it shifts to the eastern regions towards the weekend.

Due to the impact of the cyclonic wave moving over Greece, weather conditions in Istanbul and Izmir will deteriorate rapidly tonight (Monday night) and will continue to be difficult throughout the week. Istanbul will be one of the first and hardest hit areas by the cyclone; heavy and prolonged rainfall is expected, leading to a high risk of flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday. Similarly, Izmir and the entire Aegean coast will be at the center of the system; heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm warnings have been issued, requiring extreme caution against flooding.

Ankara, located in the interior of the country, will enter the system a little later and weaker than the western provinces. Although the city will still face heavy rainfall, the risk of flooding is not expected to be as high as in Istanbul and Izmir. However, residents of the capital should be prepared for cool and rainy weather throughout the week.

It is vital that citizens heed the warnings issued by the Meteorological Department to prevent loss of life and property. The main precautions to be taken against the risk of flooding include: Moving belongings from riverbeds and basements to safe places. Parking vehicles in safe, elevated places to prevent flash floods. Be alert for potential hazards such as roofs being blown off and trees or poles falling due to strong winds and storms. Avoid going out during rainfall unless absolutely necessary, and drive slowly and carefully.