World · Middle East · 13 hrs ago
Heavy snow strands drivers at Palandöken Pass in eastern Turkey
Heavy snow made travel difficult at Palandöken Pass in Erzurum province, eastern Turkey, leaving some drivers struggling on the road.
Rain across the area turned to snow at higher elevations as temperatures fell, and the summit of Palandöken Mountain was covered in snow.
Some motorists were still using summer tires, and some vehicles had no chains.
Officials warned drivers on the Tekman-Erzurum route not to set out unprepared and to check weather and road conditions.
Winter snow and ice disrupt travel through the pass, raising safety concerns for people using the route.
The difficulties have renewed local calls for a tunnel that could provide an alternative to the pass.
Rainy weather is expected to continue across the region, with possible fog or mist overnight and in the morning.
Heavy snow at Palandöken Pass in eastern Turkey left drivers struggling on the road.
Some drivers had summer tires and no chains, and were unprepared for winter conditions.
Authorities warned drivers using the Palandöken Pass route between Tekman and Erzurum to take precautions.
Rain in the area turned to snow at higher elevations as temperatures fell overnight.
The conditions renewed calls for a tunnel to provide an alternative to the pass.
- Who
- Drivers travelling through Palandöken Pass.
- What
- Heavy snow left drivers struggling on the road. Some had summer tires and no chains.
- When
- Overnight before October 30, 2026.
- Where
- Palandöken Pass on the Tekman-Erzurum road in eastern Turkey.
- Why
- Snowfall and winter road conditions caught some drivers unprepared.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Rain affected Erzurum throughout the day.
Rain turned to snow at higher elevations as temperatures fell, and snow covered parts of Palandöken.
Drivers struggled at Palandöken Pass, and authorities urged travellers to take precautions.
- Pass
- Palandöken Pass
- Route
- Tekman-Erzurum road
- Drivers' equipment
- Some were travelling with summer tires and without chains
- Temperature
- Palandöken Observatory recorded a low of -3.3°C
- Tunnel proposal
- A tunnel has been raised as an alternative to the pass