19.01.2026 09:04
After the consecutive warnings from the General Directorate of Meteorology and AKOM, the snow that started in Istanbul yesterday intensified in the morning hours. While many areas of the megacity were covered with a white blanket, citizens wanting to go to work flooded the roads early in the morning, leading to traffic woes. Vehicles were stranded on the Istanbul TEM highway, and images were shared showing buses and cars unable to move and traffic being gridlocked in Bağcılar. Meanwhile, a new warning came from AKOM for Istanbul.
After the latest evaluations from the General Directorate of Meteorology and AKOM, snowfall increased across Istanbul during the night and early morning hours.
CITIZENS HIT THE ROADS EARLY
Many citizens who set out to work in the morning encountered heavy snowfall. While citizens in Eyüpsultan struggled for a long time to clear their vehicles on the snow-covered side streets, they had difficulty walking on the streets.
TRAFFIC NIGHTMARE BEGINS
Some citizens, excited to see snow after a long time, took to the streets; however, the traffic nightmare began in the morning hours.
CONGESTION REACHED 81%
As snowfall continued, traffic congestion formed in many areas of Istanbul as of 08:00 this morning. Despite schools being closed, some main arteries turned red on the İBB traffic congestion map. On the first day of the week, the traffic congestion in Istanbul rose to 81% due to the snowfall.
NUMEROUS ACCIDENTS OCCURRED
After the warnings from the General Directorate of Meteorology, the snowfall that was effective in Istanbul at night increased its impact in the morning hours. With the precipitation, the streets quickly turned into a slippery surface. Vehicles unable to stop on the downhill street in Bayrampaşa had accidents. The moments of the accidents were captured on camera.
TRAFFIC JAM ON THE TEM HIGHWAY
Some vehicles were seen stranded on the TEM Highway. According to the news from Hava Forum; buses and vehicles in Bağcılar are unable to move. Traffic is locked.
CITIZENS FLOODED THE STREETS AT MIDNIGHT
Some citizens who came to Çamlıca Hill with their families were seen playing snowballs.
WILL SNOWFALL CONTINUE?
According to the latest weather report shared by the General Directorate of Meteorology, snowfall will also be effective in some areas of Istanbul today. With the expected air temperature of 6 degrees; it is predicted that the megacity will experience mostly cloudy weather with intermittent rain and snowfall. The precipitation is expected to be strong.
NEW WARNING FROM AKOM
There was also a warning from AKOM. According to the latest forecasts shared by AKOM, snow and mixed rain will also show its effect today.