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Adverse weather in Istanbul disrupts life, creates frightening scenes for locals

Adverse weather in Istanbul disrupts life, creates frightening scenes for locals A pedestrian holding a walk on the Galata bridge during heavy rain in Eminonu district of Istanbul on November 21, 2024. (Photo by KEMAL ASLAN / AFP)
By Newsroom
Nov 23, 2024 2:08 PM

Heavy downpours and strong winds disrupted life across Istanbul, toppling trees onto roads that led to significant transportation disruptions on Saturday.

In Istanbul’s Uskudar district, massive waves formed along the coastline, while a car was stranded in floodwaters for hours in the Seyrantepe neighborhood.

Adverse weather in Istanbul disrupts life, creates frightening scenes for locals
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE – NOVEMBER 23: Cars move in traffic during the snowfall while some trees are beginning to be covered with snow in Istanbul, Turkiye on November 23, 2024. ( Zafer Arslan – Anadolu Agency )
Adverse weather in Istanbul disrupts life, creates frightening scenes for locals
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE – NOVEMBER 23: Cars and a motor courier move in traffic during snowfall in Istanbul, Turkiye on November 23, 2024. ( Zafer Arslan – Anadolu Agency )
Adverse weather in Istanbul disrupts life, creates frightening scenes for locals
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE – NOVEMBER 23: A general view of trees covered with snow during snowfall in Istanbul, Turkiye on November 23, 2024. ( Zafer Arslan – Anadolu Agency )

Following days of warnings from the Turkish State Meteorological Service, the city was hit by intense southwesterly winds (lodos) and heavy rainfall early in the morning, creating frightening scenes for the residents.

Social media users shared that snow was seen for the first time in remote parts of Istanbul.

Here’s a roundup of events in Istanbul that unfolded because of severe weather:

  • On Besiktas Ak Merkez Connection Road, a fallen tree caused difficulties for drivers. Meanwhile, in Ortakoy, a tree collapsed onto a parked car on Sehit Muhtar Ali Rıza Street, causing minor damages. Firefighters and municipal teams were dispatched to the scene to remove the debris.
  • Strong winds ripped pieces off the roof of an eight-story building on Yeni Gelin Street in Dikilitas Mahallesi, which also houses the Consulate General of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The fire crews removed the remaining roof fragments and cleared the fallen debris.
  • The severe weather generated enormous waves along Uskudar’s shore. In Karlidere Street, the roof of a five-story building fell onto an adjacent structure. Firefighters remain on-site to address the situation.
  • Heavy rain and strong winds caused problems for public transport and commuters. In Bahcelievler, bus and Metrobus passengers took shelter under shop awnings and building overhangs.

Public transport disruptions due to weather in Istanbul

Adverse weather led to the suspension of operations on the TF1 Macka-Taskisla and TF2 Eyup-Piyer Loti cable car lines.

Additionally, ferry services were also affected:

  • The Sehir Hatlari route between Buyukada and Sedef Island was canceled.
  • Services on the Maltepe-Buyukada-Heybeliada-Burgazada-Kinaliada route and the Adalar-Besiktas route were suspended.
  • The Asiyan-Uskudar route will temporarily operate only between Bebek and Uskudar, skipping Kucuksu.
Last Updated:  Nov 23, 2024 2:25 PM