ISTANBUL - Heavy rainfall on Thursday wreaked havoc in Turkey's biggest city Istanbul and the northwestern province of Bursa, causing flash floods and paralyzing traffic.

Many houses and offices were flooded, and vehicles were trapped on the roads in several locations in Istanbul after the rain and hail hit the city.

A fire erupted after lightning hit the roof of a five-story building in the Sancaktepe district on the Asian side of Istanbul. Firefighters were dispatched to the area while the incident caused panic among residents.

Meanwhile, a video aired by the Ihlas news agency showed a woman in the northwestern city of Bursa was rescued by a shop owner.

Cherry trees and strawberry fields in several districts of Bursa were damaged by a hail storm.

Weather forecasts said strong rainfall will continue throughout the day in Istanbul and Bursa.