Heavy rainfall paralysed Istanbul, flooding homes and roads and killing at least two people, as rescuers worked through the night to save hundreds stranded at their workplaces in Turkey's largest city.
The downpour on Wednesday night flooded homes and businesses, submerged roads and underpasses, stranded vehicles and caused severe traffic disruption across the city. Bystanders also helped rescue many people caught in the flooding.
Local media reported two deaths. A 14-year-old was electrocuted after stepping into a puddle at a park in the Fatih district, while a 34-year-old slipped on a pavement in the Sariyer district and suffered a fatal head injury.
Heavy rain continued to fall on Thursday morning.
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality said some areas had received their highest rainfall since 1985.
The governor's office announced the suspension of classes on Thursday and said some government employees would be granted leave.
Authorities urged residents to remain at home unless travel was essential. People living in basement apartments were also advised to spend the night elsewhere.
Motorcycles were temporarily banned from the roads as authorities responded to the severe weather.