Istanbul and nearby provinces close beaches due to storm warnings
The Turkish Meteorology General Directorate warned of strong winds and high sea waves affecting the Black Sea, Marmara and Aegean coasts on 23‑27 July 2026. In response, provincial governors and district officials imposed temporary bans on sea entry. In Istanbul, the districts of Beykoz (five‑day ban), Arnavutköy (one‑day ban) and Sarıyer (temporary closure of Kısırkaya Beach) were ordered closed. Similar restrictions were applied in other Black‑Sea provinces: Tekirdağ’s Saray district (three‑day ban), Zonguldak (two days), Kırklareli, Sinop and others for one‑day periods. Lifeguards and coastal security units patrolled the shorelines, repeatedly warning and directing citizens away from dangerous waters.
The Interior Ministry also issued yellow and orange weather alerts for heavy rain and thunderstorms across 35 provinces, urging the public to avoid floods, lightning and strong gusts. Authorities emphasized that the bans will remain until wind and wave conditions return to safe levels.
These coordinated measures aim to prevent drownings and injuries during the severe weather episode affecting large parts of north‑western Turkey.