Heavy Rain Floods Istanbul, Closes Schools and Triggers Travel Restrictions Across the City

Heavy rain overwhelms streets across Istanbul

Heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding across Istanbul, Turkey, on Wednesday, October 14, inundating roads, underpasses, homes and businesses and bringing traffic to a standstill in parts of the city.

Floodwater quickly covered streets as the downpour intensified. Vehicles became stranded, while footage from several neighborhoods showed parked cars being carried away by the force of the water.

The disruption spread across a city of around 16 million people.

In one district, bystanders rushed to help a woman who was being swept along a flooded street. Television footage showed the rescue as fast-moving water surged through the area. Elsewhere, firefighters rescued a person trapped inside a flooded basement.

No serious injuries were reported in connection with the flooding.

Schools closed for Thursday

Authorities responded to the deteriorating weather by suspending classes across Istanbul for Thursday, October 15, 2026.

The Istanbul Provincial Administration said:

“In-person classes at all public and private educational institutions in the province have been suspended for one day, Thursday, October 15, 2026."

The closure applies to all public and private educational institutions in the province.

Residents were also advised to remain at home unless travel was absolutely necessary. Authorities issued an additional warning for people living in basement apartments, advising them to spend the night elsewhere because of the flood risk.

Motorcycles banned as conditions worsen

With roads already flooded and traffic heavily disrupted, officials introduced restrictions on motorcycles and similar two-wheeled vehicles.

The administration stated:

“Motorcycles and similar two-wheeled vehicles are prohibited from traveling on the roads from 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, until further notice."

The measure was introduced as floodwater continued to affect roads and underpasses across Istanbul.

Cars were already struggling through deep water in several areas. Some could not move at all.

Public sector leave expanded during severe weather

Authorities also announced administrative leave for several groups of public employees on October 15.

Those covered include employees with disabilities, pregnant women, veterans, including veterans with disabilities, and female employees with children under the age of eight.

The governor’s office had also urged people to limit unnecessary movement around the city as emergency crews responded to flooding and travel conditions remained difficult.

The combination of flooded roads, submerged underpasses and fast-moving water created hazardous conditions across several districts, while emergency services continued responding to incidents caused by the heavy rainfall.