Mon Nov 25 17:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Severe Weather Warning Issued for Five Iranian Provinces
**Tehran, Iran –** The Iranian Meteorological Organization (IMO) has issued a level orange warning (its second-highest alert level) for severe weather impacting five provinces starting Tuesday, January 5th, and lasting until Thursday, January 7th. The warning anticipates heavy snowfall, rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and other hazardous weather conditions.
The provinces most affected will be East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Ardabil, and Kurdistan. Heavy snowfall and rain are expected to begin in most areas of northwest Iran and southern West Azerbaijan on Tuesday, expanding to a wider area on Wednesday, and reaching the north and center of the country by Thursday.
The IMO warns of significant travel disruptions due to slippery road conditions, particularly in mountain passes. Further risks include flash flooding, urban waterlogging, potential rockfalls and landslides, fog, and strong, gusty winds.
The organization urges citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, especially through mountainous areas. Those who must travel are advised to equip their vehicles with winter tires and chains. Mountain climbing and other recreational activities are strongly discouraged. Authorities and emergency services are instructed to prepare for potential crisis response.
Separately, a yellow alert (lower level warning) has been issued for the northern Persian Gulf, specifically for the coastal and offshore areas of Khuzestan and Bushehr provinces, predicting strong winds (24-28 knots) and high waves (up to 1.5 meters along the coast, exceeding 1.5 meters offshore) from Tuesday morning until Wednesday afternoon. This poses risks to swimmers, fishing activities, and marine traffic, including smaller vessels and oil platforms. Swimming, recreational activities, and fishing are prohibited, while restrictions on small vessel traffic are advised. Coastal and offshore operations, including oil platforms, should take necessary precautions.
First Piper 