Severe downpours and local thunderstorms have brought Istanbul to a standstill, causing widespread traffic disruptions and significantly impacting daily life. The heavy rains began on September 15, flooding city streets and forcing pedestrians to seek shelter under business awnings. The downpours slowed traffic to a crawl across many parts of the city.
The worst-hit areas included Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, Bayrampaşa, Avcılar, Beylikdüzü, Büyükçekmece, and Esenyurt on the European side, while Üsküdar, Ümraniye, and Kadıköy on the Asian side also experienced significant rainfall. The rain persisted into the next morning, intensifying in some regions and triggering thunderstorms.
One of the most serious incidents occurred in Bakırköy, where an underpass known for frequent accidents was submerged in water, creating long lines of cars as drivers struggled to navigate the flooding. Authorities quickly intervened to drain the water, but traffic in the area remained severely affected.
At Cevizlibağ, traffic came to a complete halt as rainfall increased, with the city’s traffic density peaking at 72% around 9 a.m. Commuters faced significant delays on their way to work or school, and many passengers using public transport were unable to leave the stops due to the relentless rain.
According to Istanbul Municipality’s Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM), the city will continue to experience a drop in temperatures by 6 to 8 degrees Celsius, as cool, rainy weather from the Balkans moves through the region. AKOM warned residents to expect intermittent showers and powerful thunderstorms in the coming days, urging caution due to the risk of localized hail, lightning, strong winds, flooding, and transportation disruptions.
Residents are advised to stay alert and prepared for any further adverse weather conditions.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
