A powerful cold front has swept across the country, unleashing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures that have paralyzed daily life, particularly in eastern and northern provinces.

The adverse weather has led to the isolation of several settlements, with the season's first significant snowfall recorded in multiple areas, marking an abrupt start to winter.

In Erzurum, snowfall, which had initially been confined to mountain peaks, descended upon the city center in the early hours. Accumulations reached up to 50 centimeters in some districts, while air temperatures plummeted to a bitter minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit). The heavy snow disrupted traffic, forcing municipal and highway crews to work around the clock on snow clearance and de-icing operations.

The province of Van faced similar challenges, with roads to high-altitude rural areas initially closed. Following intensive work by municipal teams, these routes were reopened. Snow removal efforts were complicated by depths of up to 50 centimeters in places. Highway teams also conducted anti-icing measures on major routes, including the vital Van–Hakkari and Van–Bahcesaray roads, to maintain connectivity.

In Kars, intermittent snowfall continues to disrupt normal life. Conditions on the Kars–Göle highway turned hazardous due to a combination of fog and snow, drastically reducing visibility and challenging drivers. The snowfall intensified in the evening in the Sarıkamış district.

Despite the severe weather, some livestock breeders in rural areas persisted in grazing their animals outdoors, highlighting the economic pressures faced by local communities even in extreme conditions.

The widespread nature of the weather system has triggered a coordinated response from local municipalities and the General Directorate of Highways across affected regions. Teams are focusing on keeping major transit arteries open and restoring access to cut-off villages. Authorities are urging citizens, especially drivers, to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed about further weather warnings and road conditions.

The early and intense snowfall serves as a stark reminder of the harsh winter typical for eastern Turkey, with communities now bracing for prolonged cold and potential further disruptions. (ILKHA)