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A powerful storm system bringing thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds disrupted daily life across the city’s European and Anatolian sides, affecting transportation, damaging property and prompting emergency response operations.
Intense rainfall reduced visibility on major arterial roads and caused localized flooding in underpasses and low-lying areas, leading to traffic slowdowns across multiple districts. Strong winds created hazardous driving conditions on bridge crossings and coastal routes, prompting authorities to advise residents to exercise caution, maintain safe following distances, and prioritize public transportation.
Lightning illuminated the night sky in central districts, including Taksim, while hail temporarily covered roads and sidewalks in some neighborhoods. Pedestrians were seen seeking shelter as wind and rain intensified.
Storm-related incidents were reported in several parts of the city. In Esenyurt, powerful winds tore the roof off a building, scattering debris across the roadway. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
In Arnavutkoy, bricks fell from a construction site due to strong gusts, raising safety concerns in the area. Elsewhere, façade elements and roof materials detached from buildings, damaging parked vehicles and briefly obstructing traffic.
Severe weather also affected maritime activity in the Istanbul Bosphorus. The 100-meter Comoros-flagged cargo vessel Razouk, previously rescued after running aground earlier this year off Sariyer’s coast, began dragging anchor and drifting during the storm while anchored near Buyukdere.
Following an emergency call from the vessel, coastal safety response ships were dispatched to stabilize the situation and assist the crew in securing anchorage. Authorities indicated the vessel may be relocated to a safer area if conditions prevent safe anchoring.
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