A heavy hailstorm shortly before 1pm turned areas in the North and East of Malta white, brought traffic briefly to a standstill and damaged cars and solar heaters.

The Civil Protection Department issued a weather warning, urging motorists to avoid low lying areas because of the risk of flooding.

A reader said hail stones 'as big as tennis balls' had been seen in Gharghur.

Streets in various localities were carpeted in white, notably in Mosta, Mgarr, Naxxar and Burmarrad.

(Youtube video by CommanderJay)