In Athens, rare snow blankets Acropolis, halts vaccinations
Pedestrians walk outside the snow covered National Garden in central Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A snowplough cleans a main avenue at Syntagma square during a heavy snowfall in central Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A man walks during a heavy snowfall in central Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A snow man wearing a face mask stands on a car in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
People play on the snow covered beach of Flisvos in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A man uses an umbrella to take cover from a heavy snowfall at Edem beach, in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A family enjoy the snowfall at Flisvos beach, in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
People enjoy the snowfall at Flisvos beach, in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
People walk in a snowy hill in Acropolis in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
A woman makes her way at Filopapos hill in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
People take pictures in front of the ancient Acropolis hill with the Parthenon temple, in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
People walk in a snow-blanketed public garden, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
People walk in a snow-blanketed street, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
A woman walks in snow, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
Snow covers the ancient Acropolis hill in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (Antonis Nikolopoulos/Eurokinissi via AP)
A winter swimmer drinks water as people take photographs the snowfall at Edem beach, in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A man skis on snowy Pnyx hill in front the ancient Acropolis hill, near the ruins of the fifth century BC Parthenon temple, in Athens, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
People take photographs as snow falls in front of the Greek parliament in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Tuesday, and heavy snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Snow falls in front of the Greek parliament in Athens, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Tuesday, and heavy snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
People enjoy the snow at Filopapos Hill in front the ancient Acropolis hill, with the ruins of the fifth century BC Parthenon temple, in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Soldiers help a member of the Presidential Guard, known as Evzonas, during the changing of the guard as snow falls at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Tuesday, and heavy snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
People walk on the snow covered beach of Edem in Paleo Faliro suburb, in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
The ancient Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill is illuminated during a snowfall in central Athens , early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s degrees Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Monday, and seeing snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Municipality workers put down salt on snow-covered pavements to prevent them from becoming slippery, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
People walk in snow, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
The ancient Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill is illuminated during a snowfall in central Athens , early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s degrees Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Monday, and seeing snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Snow covers a tree in central Athens with the ancient Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill seen in the background , early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s degrees Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Monday, and seeing snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Snow covers a tree in central Athens with the ancient Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill seen in the background, early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s degrees Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Monday, and seeing snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
A woman sits on a snow-covered bench in front of the Parthenon temple, in Athens, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Snow covers the ancient temple of Zeus in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Snow covers the steps of Syntagma square in central Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Pedestrians walk outside the snow covered National Garden in central Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Pedestrians walk outside the snow covered National Garden in central Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A snowplough cleans a main avenue at Syntagma square during a heavy snowfall in central Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A snowplough cleans a main avenue at Syntagma square during a heavy snowfall in central Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A man walks during a heavy snowfall in central Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A man walks during a heavy snowfall in central Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A snow man wearing a face mask stands on a car in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
A snow man wearing a face mask stands on a car in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
People play on the snow covered beach of Flisvos in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
People play on the snow covered beach of Flisvos in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A man uses an umbrella to take cover from a heavy snowfall at Edem beach, in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A man uses an umbrella to take cover from a heavy snowfall at Edem beach, in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A family enjoy the snowfall at Flisvos beach, in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A family enjoy the snowfall at Flisvos beach, in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
People enjoy the snowfall at Flisvos beach, in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
People enjoy the snowfall at Flisvos beach, in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
People walk in a snowy hill in Acropolis in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
People walk in a snowy hill in Acropolis in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
A woman makes her way at Filopapos hill in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
A woman makes her way at Filopapos hill in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
People take pictures in front of the ancient Acropolis hill with the Parthenon temple, in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
People take pictures in front of the ancient Acropolis hill with the Parthenon temple, in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
People walk in a snow-blanketed public garden, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
People walk in a snow-blanketed public garden, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
People walk in a snow-blanketed street, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
People walk in a snow-blanketed street, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
A woman walks in snow, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
A woman walks in snow, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
Snow covers the ancient Acropolis hill in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (Antonis Nikolopoulos/Eurokinissi via AP)
Snow covers the ancient Acropolis hill in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (Antonis Nikolopoulos/Eurokinissi via AP)
A winter swimmer drinks water as people take photographs the snowfall at Edem beach, in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A winter swimmer drinks water as people take photographs the snowfall at Edem beach, in Paleo Faliro suburb, southern Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A man skis on snowy Pnyx hill in front the ancient Acropolis hill, near the ruins of the fifth century BC Parthenon temple, in Athens, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
A man skis on snowy Pnyx hill in front the ancient Acropolis hill, near the ruins of the fifth century BC Parthenon temple, in Athens, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
People take photographs as snow falls in front of the Greek parliament in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Tuesday, and heavy snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
People take photographs as snow falls in front of the Greek parliament in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Tuesday, and heavy snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Snow falls in front of the Greek parliament in Athens, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Tuesday, and heavy snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Snow falls in front of the Greek parliament in Athens, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Tuesday, and heavy snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
People enjoy the snow at Filopapos Hill in front the ancient Acropolis hill, with the ruins of the fifth century BC Parthenon temple, in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
People enjoy the snow at Filopapos Hill in front the ancient Acropolis hill, with the ruins of the fifth century BC Parthenon temple, in Athens, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Soldiers help a member of the Presidential Guard, known as Evzonas, during the changing of the guard as snow falls at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Tuesday, and heavy snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Soldiers help a member of the Presidential Guard, known as Evzonas, during the changing of the guard as snow falls at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Tuesday, and heavy snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
People walk on the snow covered beach of Edem in Paleo Faliro suburb, in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
People walk on the snow covered beach of Edem in Paleo Faliro suburb, in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Heavy snowfall has blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital Tuesday as many services across the country were brought to a standstill. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
The ancient Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill is illuminated during a snowfall in central Athens , early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s degrees Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Monday, and seeing snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
The ancient Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill is illuminated during a snowfall in central Athens , early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s degrees Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Monday, and seeing snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Municipality workers put down salt on snow-covered pavements to prevent them from becoming slippery, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
Municipality workers put down salt on snow-covered pavements to prevent them from becoming slippery, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
People walk in snow, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
People walk in snow, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Most of Turkish capital is covered by a blanket of snow after a day of flurries and snowfall is expected to continue over the next few days.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
The ancient Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill is illuminated during a snowfall in central Athens , early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s degrees Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Monday, and seeing snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
The ancient Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill is illuminated during a snowfall in central Athens , early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s degrees Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Monday, and seeing snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Snow covers a tree in central Athens with the ancient Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill seen in the background , early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s degrees Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Monday, and seeing snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Snow covers a tree in central Athens with the ancient Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill seen in the background , early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s degrees Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Monday, and seeing snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Snow covers a tree in central Athens with the ancient Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill seen in the background, early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s degrees Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Monday, and seeing snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Snow covers a tree in central Athens with the ancient Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill seen in the background, early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. A cold weather front has hit Greece, sending temperatures plunging from the low 20s degrees Celsius (around 70 Fahrenheit) on Friday to well below freezing on Monday, and seeing snowfall in central Athens. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
A woman sits on a snow-covered bench in front of the Parthenon temple, in Athens, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
A woman sits on a snow-covered bench in front of the Parthenon temple, in Athens, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
Snow covers the ancient temple of Zeus in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Snow covers the ancient temple of Zeus in Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Snow covers the steps of Syntagma square in central Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Snow covers the steps of Syntagma square in central Athens, Tuesday, Feb.16, 2021. Unusually heavy snowfall has blanketed central Athens, with authorities warning residents particularly in the Greek capital’s northern and eastern suburbs to avoid leaving their homes. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Heavy snowfall blanketed the Acropolis and other ancient monuments in Athens, caused power cuts and halted COVID-19 vaccinations in the Greek capital on Tuesday as the weather brought many services across the country to a standstill.
Greek media reported that three deaths in separate parts of the country were linked with the bad weather. State ERT TV said two elderly men with breathing problems died after their mechanical respiratory aids stopped working due to power cuts, and a farmer on the island of Crete was found dead in a snow-covered area near his sheepfold.
While western Europe got some respite from winter weather, temperatures plunged in the southeast of the continent and storms also battered Turkey.
The snow, an unusual sight in the Greek capital of more than 3 million residents, also stopped most public transport services. Hundreds of toppled trees downed power cables, causing blackouts in several suburbs, while one area on the city’s northern fringes was declared in a state of emergency for the next month. Some of the affected suburbs were also left without water.
Snow is common in Greece’s mountains and in the north of the country, but much rarer in the capital. Some Athenians emerged cautiously outside, snapping photos on balconies and in the streets.
The snow arrived as Athens and several other parts of Greece remain in lockdown to curb coronavirus infections. Schools and most stores are closed, and residents must stay indoors during a nightly curfew.
Some children skipped online classes Tuesday to play in the snow. Adults also went out to play, with some digging out skis to use on the capital’s hilly slopes. One man skied along Pnyx hill in central Athens, near the Acropolis.
Norwegian Ambassador Frode Overland Andersen tweeted a video of himself skiing down a hill in the suburb of Filothei with his teenage daughter.
“Challenge accepted,” he wrote, after a friend in Oslo challenged him to prove it really was possible to ski in Athens.
“It was the best day at my home office during the lockdown so far,” the ambassador told The Associated Press. “Sadly, my skis took a rather hard beating, so I will be waxing and prepping for next season.”
Outside the parliament building, orange snowplows cleared streets of ice and snow, while presidential guards, dressed in traditional pleated kilts and pompom-tipped shoes, were given heavy woolen overcoats.
The cold snap, which has already caused snowstorms around much of Europe, kept temperatures hovering around freezing in Athens on Tuesday but was expected to lift abruptly with highs of 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit) expected on Thursday.
In neighboring Turkey, heavy snow and blizzards forced the closure of a highway in northwest Turkey. Around 600 vehicles were stranded on a nine-kilometer (six-mile) stretch of the snow-covered road, and another 800 other vehicles were stranded elsewhere, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
Sections of Greece’s main north-south highway were also closed until early Wednesday, leaving about 300 lorry drivers stranded at a highway access point outside Thessaloniki, in northern Greece. Most ferry services to the islands were canceled, while flights from regional airports to Athens were disrupted.
Greek Fire Service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyiannis said the service had received hundreds of calls for assistance in greater Athens.
“The calls mainly concerned downed trees and transporting people stuck in their vehicles to a safe place, but also to transport kidney dialysis patients to receive treatment,” he told state TV.
“Vaccinations have been postponed, but we have helped transport doctors and medical staff where they are needed, and we helped power technicians get to damaged electricity pylons in areas where access was difficult,” Vathrakoyiannis said.
Power and water cuts were also reported in central Greece. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with emergency response leaders to assist residents in blacked-out areas and villages cut off by the snow.
“We obviously recommend great care be taken in all movement, all unnecessary movement should be avoided,” Mitsotakis said after the meeting, adding that authorities were doing everything they could to keep the roads open and to restore power to areas without electricity.
“I think we will all show patience as we deal with a phenomenon that is truly unprecedented,” he added. ___ Follow Becatoros at https://twitter.com/ElenaBec and Gatopoulos at https://twitter.com/dgatopoulos ___ Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey and Thanassis Stavrakis, Petros Giannakouris and Srdjan Nedeljkovic in Athens contributed.