Türkiye issues weather alerts for 35 provinces as heavy rain, storms threaten flooding VIDEO

Türkiye's General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM) has issued yellow and orange weather alerts for 35 provinces, including Istanbul and Ankara, as heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds are forecast across large parts of the country.

Localised thunderstorms, hail and powerful wind gusts are expected in the Marmara and Black Sea regions, Central Anatolia, and inland areas of the Mediterranean, Turkish media reports.

Meteorologists have warned of risks including flash floods, flooding, lightning strikes and possible transportation disruptions.

An orange alert, indicating more severe weather conditions, has been issued for 13 provinces. Heavy rainfall is forecast for Amasya, Çorum, Ordu, Samsun, Sinop, Kastamonu and Tokat, while Bolu, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Zonguldak, Bartın and Düzce are expected to experience heavy rain accompanied by storm-force winds.

A yellow alert remains in effect for 22 provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara, Adana, Bursa, Çanakkale, Konya, Kayseri, Hatay, Sivas and Tekirdağ, among others.

The meteorological agency forecasts wind speeds of 40–60 km/h (25–37 mph) along the Marmara and Aegean coasts, with gusts reaching 50–70 km/h (31–43 mph) in eastern parts of Central and Eastern Anatolia. Rainfall is also expected to bring lower temperatures across central regions of the country.

By Sabina Mammadli