Alarm raised in Istanbul: The next 3 hours are critical
Due to the heavy rainfall expected across the city, authorities have urged citizens to be cautious regarding flash floods and transportation disruptions. Residents, particularly those around the Bosphorus and on the Anatolian Side, have been advised to exercise caution.
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The thunderstorms that began in Istanbul this morning are expected to intensify in the coming hours. Warnings have been issued one after another for the heavy rainfall that will affect the entire city.
According to the latest forecasts from the General Directorate of Meteorology, sudden and heavy rainfall is expected over the next three hours in Sarıyer, Kağıthane, Beşiktaş, Şişli, Beyoğlu, Fatih, and the Anatolian Side. Authorities point out that the rain may start suddenly and that a significant amount of rainfall (approximately 10-15 kilograms) could be effective regionally in a short period.
In a statement released by the Istanbul Governor's Office, it was stated: "Precautions should be taken and caution should be exercised against risks such as flash floods, inundation, lightning, local hail, strong winds and storms during rainfall, and disruptions in transportation."
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) also reported that the rainfall is expected to intensify further starting from the morning hours around the Bosphorus on the European side and on the Anatolian Side. AKOM officials reminded citizens that the rainfall will be intermittent and local, and urged them to be prepared for any potential negative consequences.