Istanbul Storm 2026 Gale Force Winds Heavy Rain Ferry Chaos

Post by : Bianca Qureshi

Istanbul was battered on Thursday by one of the most severe weather events in recent years, as gale-force winds, heavy rainfall and rapidly falling temperatures disrupted daily life across the city.

Meteorological data showed wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph), reaching level 11 on the Beaufort scale, classified as a violent storm just below hurricane strength. Authorities warned that conditions would worsen throughout the day as mild, spring-like weather gave way to harsh winter conditions.

According to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM), the storm intensified across the megacity, while temperatures that had reached 17–18 degrees Celsius earlier in the week were expected to drop by around 10 degrees by evening.

All ferry services in Istanbul were suspended due to unsafe sea conditions. Public ferry operator Şehir Hatları canceled multiple routes, including services to the Princes’ Islands from Maltepe, Bostancı, Beşiktaş and Kabataş, as well as Bosphorus crossings between Anadolu Hisarı and Eminönü. Bursa Sea Buses (BUDO) also halted ferry services between Mudanya and Istanbul, along with Armutlu and Ihlas routes.

Storm-force winds toppled trees in several districts, damaging vehicles and disrupting traffic. In Bakırköy, a fallen tree crushed four parked cars along the coastal road, forcing temporary lane closures. Emergency crews worked for hours to clear debris. In Bahçelievler, one person was injured after being trapped under a fallen tree, authorities said.

High waves battered the Bosphorus coastline, while strong winds turned unsecured objects into hazards. In Esenler, a section of a building’s roof was blown off and struck a parked vehicle.

The storm system also affected surrounding regions. Heavy rainfall caused flooding in Edirne, disrupted daily life in Izmir, and led to the suspension of maritime traffic through the Çanakkale Strait.

The Interior Ministry issued nationwide weather warnings, citing strong winds, storms, heavy rainfall and dangerous sea conditions across parts of the Marmara, Aegean, Black Sea, Central Anatolia and Mediterranean regions. Authorities urged residents to remain cautious against transportation disruptions, flooding, falling objects and maritime risks, and to closely follow official warnings.

 

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