Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Istanbul was struck by snowfall late Friday while weather forecasts show a weekend of snowstorms to grip Turkey's most populated city and the country's western regions.

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Meteorology experts warned snow as thick as 20 centimeters will blanket the city while authorities warned against icy roads and urged citizens to be alert against collapses in roofs of buildings not strong enough to withstand heavy snowfall.

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Forestry and Water Affairs Minister Veysel Eroğlu whose portfolio includes the meteorology directorate, said Turkey will go through "a January colder than usual" and the country's central regions will be particularly affected with temperatures dropping a few degrees below seasonal normal.

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

The state-run General Directorate of Meteorology warned against "an extreme cold wave" in western and central Turkey, cautioning against a weather system hailing from the Balkans. On Saturday, temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius will prevail in western, northern and central Turkey. Temperatures will remain below 10 and sometimes 15 degrees at least until next midweek.

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

395 domestic and international flights that were scheduled for Saturday have been canceled after heavy snow, icy conditions and strong winds were forecast for Istanbul.

Daily Sabah

Daily Sabah

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle

Let it snow! Istanbul set for first freeze as snow starts to settle