Heavy rainfall and flash floods drenched Istanbul, with a rare tornado forming in the city’s westernmost areas, killing a Syrian refugee. Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya confirmed later that the refugee fell victim to flooding.

Turkey’s General Directorate of Meteorology had been warning city-dwellers of the expected rainfall. Residents of Istanbul’s Sultangazi and Gaziosmanpaşa districts scrambled as the rainfall hit suddenly, seeking shelter from the strong winds.

Flooding also occurred in central Kağıthane district, prompting citizens to run for cover in bus stops and shops. A hail squall also battered different parts of the city. Summer hail storms in Istanbul have caused significant damage to cars and buildings in recent years.