The Saudi consulate in Istanbul warns of a strong storm on Monday

The Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul issued an important alert to all Saudi citizens in the city, urging them to exercise extreme caution. This warning comes in response to weather forecasts issued by the Istanbul Governorate and relevant Turkish authorities, indicating a strong windstorm expected to hit the city tomorrow, Monday, February 2nd.

The consulate explained via its official account that the expected weather conditions may include strong winds in various parts of the province, which could negatively impact daily life, including potential disruptions to public and private transportation. The diplomatic mission emphasized the importance of citizens adhering to the instructions and warnings issued by the Turkish local authorities to ensure their safety.

Weather conditions in Istanbul and safety measures

These warnings are particularly important given Istanbul's geographical location between Asia and Europe, overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. At this time of year, the city is often affected by low-pressure systems and strong winds (known locally as "Lodos" or "Poyraz"), which can cause high waves, disrupt ferry services, and potentially lead to trees falling or unsecured objects being blown away. This necessitates extra vigilance from residents and visitors alike.

The role of the consulate in caring for citizens abroad

This alert comes as part of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its missions abroad's ongoing commitment to the safety of Saudi citizens, whether residents or tourists. The consulate continuously monitors all developments, whether security, weather-related, or health-related, to provide citizens with proactive information that ensures their safety and security. The consulate's official social media channels are the primary and reliable source for these directives.

Important recommendations for citizens

In light of these warnings, Saudi citizens in Istanbul are advised to follow a number of precautionary measures, including:

• Avoid being near beaches or open areas during periods of strong winds.
• Stay away from old buildings or trees that may pose a danger during storms.
• Follow local news bulletins and approved weather apps to stay up-to-date.
• Check the status of flights if you have travel plans, as air traffic may be affected.
• Keep the consulate's emergency contact numbers.

In conclusion, the consulate reiterated its call to everyone to obtain information from official sources and not to be lenient in implementing the public safety instructions issued by the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and the Istanbul Governorate.