Vehicles were stuck in gridlock as a snowstorm hit traffic in Istanbul, Turkey on Tuesday.

Video footage taken on January 25 shows long queues of cars stranded in traffic and being blanketed in ice while heavy snow piles up on the road. Several pedestrians were seen braving the inclement weather to walk in the freezing cold.

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.’