A powerful winter storm swept through southeastern Turkey over the past two days, bringing heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions that have cut off access to nearly 150 settlements across four provinces, local authorities reported on 16 March 2026.
The provinces of Van, Hakkari, Muş and Bitlis bore the brunt of the storm. According to local officials, 36 settlements in Van province, 61 in Hakkari, 50 in Muş, and one in Bitlis are currently inaccessible due to snow and ice blocking rural roads. Emergency crews have been deployed and are working to clear the affected routes and restore access.
The mountainous terrain of southeastern Turkey makes the region particularly vulnerable to severe winter weather.
Heavy snowfall in this part of the country is not unusual in March, but the scale of this storm – effectively isolating communities across four provinces simultaneously — has placed significant strain on local emergency services.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve and road clearing operations are completed.
Source:
Turkey’s General Directorate of Meteorology
The Weather Channel
