Istanbul was battered on Thursday by one of the strongest storms in recent years, as violent winds, heavy rain, and plummeting temperatures disrupted life across the city. Meteorological data recorded wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph), equivalent to 11 on the Beaufort scale—a level classified as a violent storm, just below hurricane strength. Authorities warned that conditions would continue to worsen as unseasonably warm weather gave way to harsh winter conditions.
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s (IBB) Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) reported that the storm and heavy rain intensified throughout the day, with temperatures dropping roughly 10 degrees Celsius from earlier highs of 17–18°C (63–64°F). All ferry services in the city were suspended due to unsafe conditions.
Strong winds caused trees to fall across several districts, damaging vehicles and obstructing traffic. In Bakırköy, a fallen tree crushed four parked cars along the coastal road, temporarily closing lanes toward Yeşilköy. Emergency crews used chainsaws to clear debris before reopening the street. In Bahçelievler, one person sustained injuries after being trapped under a fallen tree. Some districts reported wind gusts over 70 km/h (43 mph).
The storm also affected nearby regions: heavy rains triggered flooding in Edirne, disrupted daily life in Izmir, and forced maritime traffic in Çanakkale to a halt. The Turkish State Meteorological Service had issued warnings for days, highlighting that Beaufort level 11 winds could cause structural damage, uproot large trees, and turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles.
Sea transport suspended
Bursa Sea Buses (BUDO) canceled ferry services between Mudanya and Istanbul’s Kabataş district, as well as Armutlu and Ihlas routes, due to unsafe sea conditions. All main services scheduled between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. were halted. Istanbul’s public ferry operator, Şehir Hatları, also suspended multiple routes, including services to the Princes’ Islands from Maltepe, Bostancı, Beşiktaş, and Kabataş, as well as morning trips between Anadolu Hisarı and Eminönü.
Nationwide weather warnings
The Interior Ministry issued a nationwide weather alert Wednesday evening, citing the State Meteorological Service. Strong winds, storms, thunderstorms, and avalanche risks were forecast across several regions, including eastern Marmara, western Mediterranean, southern and eastern Central Anatolia, inland Central and Eastern Black Sea, and western Black Sea areas. Heavy rain and thunderstorms were expected in Balıkesir, Çanakkale, Izmir, Manisa, Aydın, Bursa, Kütahya, Muğla, Antalya, and Konya, while avalanche risks were reported in high-altitude areas of eastern Black Sea inland regions and northern and eastern Anatolia.
Authorities urged residents to exercise caution amid transportation disruptions, roof damage, falling objects, flooding, lightning, carbon monoxide risks, and avalanches, emphasizing the importance of following official warnings closely.
