Şehir HatlarıOn Tuesday, October 27, due to a severe storm and heavy rainfall affecting the Marmara Region, İDO and BUDO have canceled many of their services. These disruptions in sea transportation, in line with warnings from the General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM), are particularly affecting passengers on the Istanbul and Southern Marmara routes. However, Şehir Hatları's inner-city ferry services are continuing as normal as of Tuesday morning, October 27, though warnings have been issued that instant changes may occur during the day depending on weather conditions.
Impact of Severe Storm and Heavy Rainfall in the Marmara Region
According to a statement from the General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM), the Marmara Region will remain under the influence of strong winds and heavy rainfall throughout Tuesday, October 27. The northeasterly storm, reaching speeds of 50 to 75 kilometers per hour in the morning, is negatively impacting sea transportation. The storm is expected to peak particularly around the Istanbul Strait and in Southern Marmara, along the Bandırma, Bursa, and Yalova line, during the afternoon hours. Heavy rainfall, which will continue throughout the day, is also reducing visibility and navigation safety at sea.
İDO and BUDO Service Cancellations
Due to adverse weather conditions, İDO and BUDO have announced the cancellation of many services on their Istanbul, Bursa, Bandırma, and Armutlu routes. These cancellations are affecting the travel plans of passengers, especially on heavily used routes such as Yenikapı - Bandırma and Yenikapı - Yalova. A detailed list of canceled services was not provided in the source announcement. It is crucial for passengers to check the official websites or mobile applications of the respective companies before their journeys.
Şehir Hatları Inner-City Services Operating Normally
As of Tuesday morning, October 27, Şehir Hatları ferries, which provide sea transportation within Istanbul, have not announced any cancellations. Inner-city ferry services in the Istanbul Strait are currently continuing according to their normal schedule. However, given that MGM's storm warning will last throughout the day, it should be noted that instant service cancellations or route (pier) changes may occur when wind intensity increases. It is also advisable for Şehir Hatları passengers to check the company's official social media accounts or website before heading to the pier.
When Will the Storm Subside and Services Return to Normal?
According to MGM data, the intensity of the storm and wind will gradually begin to subside from 18:00 (6 PM) onwards. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue intermittently in and around Istanbul, Bursa, and Kocaeli until nightfall. With wind speeds dropping to levels considered safe for maritime travel (below 40 km/h) during the night, İDO and BUDO services are planned to return to normal as of Wednesday morning, October 28. It is vital for passengers to follow official announcements from ferry companies and MGM's instant weather warnings to get the most accurate information about the current situation.