Istanbul was struck by its heaviest rainfall since 1985 on the night of 14–15 October 2026, with torrential downpours triggering 1,277 separate flooding incidents and 15 landslides across the city. The Istanbul governor’s office confirmed 47 people were trapped during the worst of the weather, and public transport was severely disrupted as streets and underpasses filled with water.
Schools across the city were closed on Thursday 16 October, and state employees in vulnerable categories were placed on leave. Motorcycles were banned from roads city-wide as conditions remained dangerous into the following day.
Tragically, a 14-year-old was killed in the Balat neighbourhood of the Fatih district after stepping into a flooded puddle and receiving an electric shock from exposed infrastructure. Emergency services responded to hundreds of calls throughout the night.
What This Means for Travellers
If you are currently in Istanbul or arriving in the coming days, keep the following in mind:
- Public transport: Metro, tram, and bus services experienced significant disruption. Check the IETT and Istanbul Metro apps for live service updates before heading out.
- Low-lying streets and underpasses: Areas like Karaköy, Eminönü, and parts of Beyoğlu are prone to flash flooding during heavy rain. Avoid underpasses and subways during downpours.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: Expect delays and surcharges during and after heavy rain. Allow extra time for airport transfers.
- Air travel: Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen are both elevated and were not reported closed, but ground transport to both airports was affected. Check your airline’s status before travelling.
- Footwear: Wet cobblestones across the historic peninsula become extremely slippery. Waterproof footwear is strongly advised.
October Is Still a Strong Month to Visit
This storm is an exceptional event rather than a seasonal pattern. October normally brings mild temperatures and clear skies to Istanbul - conditions that make it one of the best months to explore the city. The flooding came from a single intense low-pressure system rather than the prolonged autumn rains that typically arrive in November.
For context on what weather to expect during your visit, see our guide to the best time to visit Istanbul.
If you are planning onward travel from Istanbul to other parts of the country, our getting around Türkiye guide covers buses, trains, and domestic flights.
For city planning and neighbourhood guides, visit our full Istanbul travel guide. If rain is forecast, our best tours in Istanbul guide lists indoor options such as the Basilica Cistern and covered bazaar tours, and our Istanbul where to stay guide helps you pick a base on higher ground with good metro access.
Situation Status
As of 15 October, the weather system was moving east and conditions in Istanbul were improving. The governor’s office had not issued further advisories. We will update this article if the situation changes.