Streets across Malta have been submerged under floods of ice after the Mediterranean island was hit by an unusual hailstorm.
Video footage captured vehicles stuck up in up to a foot of hail after frozen torrents swept through streets.
Rivers of ice were seen flowing past buildings and parked cars in what locals described as freak weather conditions.
The storm struck the popular holiday destination with little warning, transforming streets into winter landscapes.
The western areas of Rabat and Bahrija bore the brunt of the storm, with hail accumulating to several centimetres deep.
Diggers had to be deployed to shift mounds of ice from road surfaces as crews battled to reopen them.
Further footage showed heavy machinery scooping hailstones from the tarmac in scenes rarely witnessed on the island.
Authorities worked at pace to clear the worst-affected streets and restore access for residents.
Diggers had to be deployed to shift mounds of ice from road surfaces as crews battled to reopen them
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But the sheer scale of the freak weather event has left locals battling a long-running clean-up operation.
As Malta scrambled to clear the ice, the Foreign Office issued British tourists an urgent travel warning.
"Severe weather, including strong winds, are expected across Malta and Gozo" until January 20, it said.
"Malta International Airport is expected to remain open but this could change at short notice.
"The Government of Malta has advised people to stay indoors where possible, and avoid coastal areas. Monitor local media for further updates."
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Cars were seen submerged up to their wheelarches in nearly a foot of hail
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Motorists had been urged on Saturday to take extra care and avoid non-essential journeys.
The Civil Protection Department issued a warning on Sunday evening as gale-force winds approached the island.
Residents were told to "avoid working at heights, including rooftops, balconies, scaffolding, and exposed structures" for the following 12 hours.
The department also cautioned people to "stay away from the shoreline, breakwaters, and coastal paths" due to the risk of powerful waves and sea spray in coastal zones.
Officials urged the public to monitor updates and follow official guidance as conditions developed.
Rivers of ice were seen flowing past buildings and parked cars
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The warning came as the island prepared for further challenging weather following the dramatic hailstorm that had already caused widespread disruption.
Malta's experience echoes a similar event that struck Majorca in May last year.
The Spanish island saw beaches transform from golden to white as hailstones blanketed the sand at Porto Cristo.
Tourists fled for shelter as the storm smashed outdoor furniture and tiles at hotels across the resort.
Manacor, Sant Llorenç and Sa Pobla suffered the worst damage, with flash flooding triggered by 50 litres of rainfall per square metre in just 30 minutes.