Istanbul - XINHUA
Turkey on Wednesday closed schools in 14 provinces and canceled flights and ferries as heavy snow swept across the country, causing numerous traffic accidents. According to Turkish official reports, schools in Balikesir, Giresun, Ordu, Samsun, Rize, Tokat, Bartin, Konya, Artvin, Bursa, Elazig, Karabuk, Nevsehir and Kilis provinces were closed due to the heavy snow. With the continuous heavy snow in the Marmara region, schools in Istanbul are also expected to be closed on Thursday. Many car accidents and ferry and flight cancellations were also reported here. Turkish Airlines and Istanbul Ferry Lines said that certain flights and ferries were canceled due to harsh weather conditions.