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Heavy rain lashed Istanbul on Tuesday, with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality reporting that some areas received up to 242 kilograms of rainfall per square meter, among the highest levels recorded since 1985. The downpour was heaviest in Beykoz, which saw 242 kg per square meter, followed by Eyupsultan with 190.5 kg and Sariyer with 187.9 kg.

Measurements of 100 to 230 kg per square meter were recorded around the Bosphorus and across the northern and central parts of the city's European side, while many other districts exceeded 100 kg. A total of 6,937 reports reached municipal units, including 5,711 to the water utility ISKI, 528 to the solution center, 498 to the fire brigade and 200 to road maintenance crews.

The municipality's AKOM coordination center forecast that rainfall would continue mainly on the Asian side and around the Bosphorus, with an additional 50 to 75 kg per square meter possible in some areas by 10 a.m. Winds could reach 50 to 80 km/h. Residents were urged to avoid driving, use public transport and stay away from stream beds and flood-prone areas. Municipal social facilities and six BELTUR outlets will remain open overnight, and services on 15 rail lines were extended until 2 a.m.

Key Takeaways

• Beykoz recorded 242 kg of rain per square meter, among the highest values since 1985
• Municipal units received 6,937 reports, most of them to the water utility ISKI
• Rail services on 15 lines extended to 2 a.m. as heavy rain was expected to continue