Heavy snowfall hits Istanbul, disrupting travel and daily life

ISTANBUL, TÜRKİYE-FEB. 19: A highly anticipated winter storm has begun in Istanbul, Türkiye on February 19, with heavy snowfall and temperatures plunging, intensifying as the evening hours approach. The cold front moving westward from the Black Sea region has brought the city under the path of an intense snowstorm, which is expected to cause significant disruptions to travel and daily life for at least the next four days. Temperatures in Istanbul are forecast to range from 0 to 2 degrees Celsius until February 22, with lows expected to reach between minus 1 to minus 2 degrees Celsius, according to meteorologists. As the storm strengthens, local authorities have issued warnings regarding travel disruptions. Istanbul Airport, the busiest airports in the country, has announced a reduction in flight capacity due to the worsening weather. The Transport and Infrastructure Ministry confirmed that flights at the airport will be reduced by 15 percent on February 19 and by 20 percent on February 21. In addition, flag-carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) has canceled approximately 200 flights on February 21, depending on real-time weather conditions. The snowfall has also caused severe traffic congestion in the city, with traffic levels reaching 83%. Some ferry services in the city have been suspended due to the storm’s impact. (Footage by /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)