A powerful storm accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall has struck Istanbul, severely disrupting transportation and daily life across the city, according to Turkish media reports.
Winds Near Hurricane Strength
Authorities reported that wind speeds reached up to 100 kilometers per hour, equivalent to 11 on the Beaufort scale, a level just below hurricane intensity. Officials describe the storm as one of the most severe Istanbul has experienced in recent years.
According to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM), the storm affected the entire city, while temperatures — which had previously reached 17–18°C — were expected to drop by around 10 degrees overnight.
Major Disruptions to Air and Sea Transport
Due to strong winds, aircraft encountered serious difficulties landing at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, leading to flight disruptions and delays. Reports indicate that wind speeds of up to 90 km/h directly affected landing operations.
At the same time, all coastal ferry services were suspended, significantly impacting maritime transport. A ferry carrying hundreds of passengers on the Topçular–Eskihisar route in the Yalova region was also affected by the stormy conditions.
Damage and Injuries Reported
Strong winds uprooted trees in several districts, damaging vehicles and forcing the closure of multiple roads. In the Bahçelievler district, one person was injured after being trapped under a fallen tree, authorities confirmed.
Wind speeds exceeded 70 km/h in several areas, while maritime transport was also halted in the Dardanelles, further compounding regional transport disruptions.
Emergency services remain on high alert as authorities continue to assess damage and safety risks posed by the ongoing severe weather.
