Heavy snow in Turkey forced the Istanbul Airport to temporarily close on Tuesday, January 25.

Footage shows severely reduced visibility as the blizzard lashed the airport, grounding flights and covering the tarmac in thick snow. The roof of a cargo terminal also reportedly caved in from the weight of the snow, but no injuries were caused.

The airport worker who recorded the video said: ‘Due to adverse conditions, all flights at Istanbul Airport have been temporarily stopped for flight safety.’

The freak weather shut down the city of 16 million people, with malls and delivery services closing early while Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya temporarily banned private vehicles from the roads. He called on the locals to assist the emergency teams in clearing the snow if they are able.

He said: ‘We hope that if we overcome tonight with measures as well, we won’t have any problems left. May God protect everyone.’