Turkey issues orange and yellow alerts as thunderstorms threaten widespread flooding
The Interior Ministry issued an orange‑level alert for 28 May 2026, warning that strong thunderstorm‑laden rain will affect numerous provinces, including Ankara, Çankırı, Kırıkkale, the inner Aegean, the Lakes region, western interior Black Sea, and Sakarya. Officials urged citizens to avoid travel, stay alert for sudden flash floods, lightning, hail, strong winds and possible transport disruptions.
The General Directorate of Meteorology also forecast heavy, locally intense rain across many districts, noting especially strong storms expected in Rize and the coastal districts of Artvin. A yellow‑code alert was announced for provinces such as Afyonkarahisar, Bolu, Burdur, Çorum, Denizli, Isparta, Kastamonu, Kütahya, Sakarya, Uşak, and Düzce, among others. The agency cautioned that the midday and evening periods could see the most severe precipitation, increasing the risk of flash floods, water‑logging and road closures. Residents in the highlighted areas were advised to follow official instructions and take precautionary measures.