Hailstorm and flash flooding in Istanbul, Turkey

Severe hailstorm, downburst and flash flooding in Istanbul, Turkey – July 27, 2017

Severe Weather Europe,

28 July, 2017

An intense severe supercell thunderstorm hit Istanbul, Turkey late on July 27, producing an intense severe hailstorm with very large hail, severe straight line winds and intense flash flooding. Widespread damage has been reported.

Very large hail in Istanbul. Photo: Severe Weather Turkey.

A number of intense thunderstorms hit the wider region around Istanbul in the afternoon, with a number of severe hailstorms. Hail reached diameters up to 8-9 cm in Istanbul.

Very large hailstone, 8-9 cm in diameter (Istanbul). Photo: Hava Forum – Meteoroloji.

Radar presentation of the storm and photographs indicate it was a supercell.

Wall cloud on the supercell over Istanbul. Photo: Severe Weather Turkey.

Widespread major damage was reported, including hail damage to cars, buildings and airliners (!!), flooding damage and severe wind damage.

Hail damage. Photo: Severe Weather Turkey.

Hail damage. Photo: Kai Diekmann.