A severe blizzard grounded flights in Turkey's Istanbul Airport on Tuesday, January 25.

Footage shows the roads almost empty as the snowstorm bore down on the city, disrupting both air and land travel. The roof of a cargo terminal also reportedly caved in from the weight of the snow, but no injuries were caused.

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.’