Turkey (Turkey News): The new year 2026 began in Turkey with severe cold and widespread snowfall. Over 63 cities, including Ankara and Istanbul, experienced snow, though it was lighter in major urban centers.
Authorities have issued warnings for residents in 31 cities to remain cautious on slippery roads and avoid risks caused by snow and rain. The affected cities include Adana, Ağrı, Artvin, Bingöl, Bitlis, Elazığ, Erzincan, Erzurum, Giresun, Gümüşhane, Hakkari, Hatay, Kars, Kocaeli, Malatya, Kahramanmaraş, Mardin, Muş, Rize, Sakarya, Siirt, Trabzon, Tunceli, Van, Zonguldak, Batman, Şırnak, Bartın, Ardahan, Osmaniye, and Düzce.
In eastern Mush, heavy snowfall completely buried vehicles and halted transportation. While schools were already closed for the New Year holidays, the closures have been extended until Friday due to extreme weather. In rural Van, two avalanches resulted in one elderly woman’s death and forced the evacuation of nearly two dozen homes. Roads to hundreds of villages and settlements in eastern and southeastern Turkey remain blocked, isolating local communities from major cities.
