Paralyzing flash floods and damaging hail hit Istanbul, Turkey

Heavy rains accompanied by large hail lashed Istanbul, Turkey, on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, resulting in paralyzing flash floods and damage.

Severe weather conditions hit several districts in Istanbul around 08:00 UTC (11:00 LT), including Silivri, Buyukcekmece, Catalca, and Arnavutkoy, as well as some areas on the Asian side.

Flash floods partially submerged some roads and trapped vehicles, bringing traffic to a standstill. Apart from the rain, large hail battered the city's Asian side, causing damage to parked vehicles along the roads. 

A waterspout, along with heavy rains, caused flash floods in a marketplace in Arnavutköy, Hurriyet reports. Tram services were briefly interrupted while the main arterial roads witnessed heavy traffic.

Orhan Sen from the Turkish State Meteorological Service warned people to park their cars in safe places, especially those residing near the Bosphorous Strait.

Rescuers evacuated people from flooded areas and vehicles. No injuries or casualties were reported.

Featured image credit: chave weather/YouTube