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Snowstorm Wallops Greece

Villages stranded, schools closed, flights canceled

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 18, 2008 9:02 AM CST

(Newser) – A freak snowstorm stranded as many as 200 Greek villages and halted hundreds of flights yesterday and today in Athens, reports Bloomberg. Power and water supply problems were reported across the country and civil defense authorities were on alert. Up to six inches of snow buried the Greek capital, a rare occurrence in the usually balmy town, and temperatures plunged below zero.

The unprecedented storm dumped as much as 6 feet of snow in the mountains; near central Athens' snow-covered Acropolis, only cars with chains were permitted on powdered roads. Athens' subways were running but not suburban rail lines; schools and many shops were closed, according to officials. The weather was expected to improve later today.

A man walks at the snow-covered beach of Loutsa, east of Athens, on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008. A winter storm left Greece blanketed in snow overnight, cutting access to villages and disrupting travel across... (Associated Press)

The ancient Acropolis hill is snow-covered in Athens on Monday, Feb. 18. 2008. A winter storm left Greece blanketed in snow overnight, cutting access to villages and disrupting travel across the country.... (Associated Press)

A woman plays with the snow as the ancient Acropolis hill is seen in the background in central Athens on Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. A winter storm left Greece blanketed in snow overnight, cutting access to... (Associated Press)

Tourists carry their bags at the frozen Athens' main Syntagma square early Monday, Feb. 18. 2008. A winter storm left Greece blanketed in snow overnight, cutting access to villages and disrupting travel... (Associated Press)

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The Acropolis, the temple of Delphi, and Parthenon going for $2,070 a day

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Villages stranded, schools closed, flights canceled

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

weather • Greece • Athens • snow • snowstorm • Acropolis • Crete

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Romanian Towns Buried Under 15 Feet of Snow

Military flies in emergency food aid

Greece OKs Austerity Bill Amid Rioting

Dozens of police and protesters injured, buildings ablaze

Winter Storm Pounds Colorado

Denver could see historic snowfall

Death Toll Rises in European Cold Snap

Europeans grapple with worst winter in years

Greece Hires Out Ancient Ruins to Raise Cash

The Acropolis, the temple of Delphi, and Parthenon going for $2,070 a day

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?