Heavy snowfalls in most of Turkey, including main cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, have disrupted air and road traffic while meteorologists warned the cold spell could last until the end of next week. (Xinhua)

Heavy snowfalls stranded 4,603 persons on roadways around the country in the last 24 hours, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority. (Xinhua)

In Ankara, heavy snow buried roads under a thick blanket in the city and surrounding areas, disrupting traffic in some parts despite the round-the-clock efforts of municipal rescue trucks and hundreds of workers. The country’s eastern and southeastern provinces are also hit by severe snowfall for the last five days. (Xinhua)

While there is a downside to heavy snowfall, it is also a blessing as the country is reeling from drought. The country’s hydro dams will benefit from the snowfall after a dry spell, authorities said. (Xinhua)

A man removes snow from a vehicle in Istanbul, Turkey, on Jan. 24, 2022. (Xinhua/Shadati)

A man clears snow at a park in Istanbul, Turkey, on Jan. 24, 2022. (Xinhua/Shadati)