16.02.2026 09:22
In Izmir, the highest wind speed reached 137.5 kilometers per hour, while the total water effect along the coastline approached 1.5 meters with waves reaching 1 meter. Dr. Işıkhan Güler, Chairman of the Board of İZDENİZ, stated, "This situation is not an ordinary southerly swell. It indicates wave and level conditions that can be seen once in about 50 years. It is expected that the pressure will drop below 1000 MB on Tuesday afternoon. Therefore, a short-term new increase in sea level may occur."
Izmir experienced one of the strongest meteorological events in recent years. According to the data from the 2nd Regional Directorate of the General Directorate of Meteorology, the highest wind speed measured in the city reached 137.5 km/h. In many locations, including Çileme village in Menderes, Çiğli Airport, Çukuralan in Dikili, Güzelbahçe Lighthouse, and Balçova, the storm's speed reached 100 km/h, causing roofs to be torn off and trees to be uprooted.
SEA LEVEL RISE, WAVE HEIGHT EXCEEDS 1.5 METERS
According to data from the Bostanlı and Pasaport stations, the sea level in Izmir Bay rose by approximately 60 centimeters in the last 24 hours. With waves generated by the strong south wind measuring between 90 centimeters and 1 meter, the total water effect felt along the coastline reached up to 1.5 meters in some areas. This situation particularly increased the risk of sea flooding, wave overtopping, and backflow in rainwater systems in low-lying areas. The Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and İZSU teams are continuously carrying out water drainage and control operations along the coastline and in risky areas.
"THESE VALUES ARE AT A SCALE THAT CAN BE SEEN ONCE EVERY 50 YEARS"
Dr. Işıkhan Güler, Chairman of the Board of İZDENİZ, stated, "Currently, southerly winds in Izmir occasionally reach speeds of 35–40 knots. The wave height across the bay is measured between 90 centimeters and 1 meter. The low-pressure system that has been effective for a long time has caused a rise of approximately 60 centimeters in sea level. When these two effects combine, a water effect of up to 1.5 meters occurs along the coastline. According to our preliminary calculations, the wave conditions observed today indicate an event that statistically occurs once every 50 years. This is not an ordinary south wind surge," he said.
PAY ATTENTION TO TUESDAY
Güler emphasized that the backflows observed along the Alsancak and Karşıyaka coasts are not due to a structural problem but rather arise from simultaneous meteorological conditions, stating, "Low pressure naturally raises sea level. When the wind pushes this water towards the shore, wave overtopping can occur. Continued rainfall during the same period complicates the discharge of rainwater systems into the sea, causing backflow from the drains. This is a temporary meteorological situation. When the pressure rises and the wind weakens, the sea level will return to normal. It is expected that the pressure will drop below 1000 MB around noon on Tuesday. Therefore, a short-term new increase in sea level may occur," he said.
WHY DID THE SEA RISE?
According to experts, three main factors simultaneously contributed to the rise of the sea. While low pressure caused a rise of approximately 60 cm in sea level, strong south winds (35–40 knots) pushed the sea towards the shore, creating waves of 90 cm to 1 meter. Rainfall complicated the flow of water into the sea, increasing the risk of backflow. When these three effects combined, the risk of sea flooding emerged, especially in low-lying areas.
Authorities emphasize that coastal fortifications are designed for normal wave conditions, but extreme situations where very strong winds, low pressure, and rising sea levels are simultaneously effective can lead to wave overtopping. It is stated that this situation is not a structural inadequacy but a temporary result of extraordinary meteorological conditions. - IZMIR