Istanbul was hit by torrential rain overnight on Wednesday, October 14, flooding homes, businesses, roads and underpasses and bringing traffic across Turkey’s largest city to a standstill. The Associated Press reported at least two deaths, citing local media.
What happened in Istanbul?
Floodwater stranded vehicles and swept into low-lying areas as rescue teams worked through the night. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality said some parts of the city recorded their heaviest rainfall since 1985, according to AP. Rain was still falling on Thursday morning.
Are schools closed today?
Yes. The Istanbul Governor’s Office suspended in-person education for one day on Thursday, October 15, across public and private educational institutions. The governor also advised residents to stay home unless travel was necessary. Some public employees were placed on leave, and motorcycles were barred from traffic during the emergency response.
Weather warning and safety
Türkiye’s Meteorological Service warned of very heavy and locally severe rain in Istanbul and nearby Marmara provinces through Thursday night, alongside strong winds. Residents should avoid flooded underpasses and basement areas, never drive or walk through moving floodwater, and follow updates from the governor, municipality and meteorological service before travelling.
What to watch next
Rain and wind conditions may continue to disrupt roads and public transport. School closures and emergency measures apply to the stated period; readers should check official channels for any extension or new instructions. This report is based on information available on October 15, 2026.
Featured image: AP photograph from the October 14 flooding in Istanbul, credited to Omer Hamza Yildiz/DIA Photo via AP.