Heavy rain is battering Malta, leading to widespread traffic disruptions across several areas of the island.

According to the Meteorological Office, isolated thunderstorms affected parts of the country as a ridge of high pressure continued to dominate the Mediterranean region.

The Msida Local Council has issued an urgent warning for motorists to avoid Msida Square, after torrential rain hit the area earlier today, leaving parts of the road flooded and traffic heavily disrupted.

Photos shared by the council show cars driving in rising water as the ongoing flyover works in the area which have already narrowed key routes through the area.