Monumental storm: Greece, Turkey paralyzed by feet of snow
Feet of snow stopped traffic and collapsed buildings in places used to getting only inches per storm.
Greece hit by intense snowstorm, areas covered with over 2 feet of snow
The Acropolis of Athens is seen covered in snow. The intensity of this snowstorm to hit Greece was unusual as over 2 and a half feet of snow fell in parts of the country. Thousands of drivers had to be rescued from a highway in the Greek capital.
Snow over the Acropolis in Athens, Greece is beautiful, but debilitating for the capital city. Over 3,500 motorists were rescued and hundreds of others had to spend the night in their cars on an Athenian highway after heavy snow fell Monday and Tuesday. Areas around Athens saw up to 31 inches of snow.
Rare snowstorm intensifies across Greece, hits Athens
Heavy snow builds across areas of Greece including the capital city of Athens.
"I haven’t seen this much snow in Athens in more than 15 years," wrote Jimmy Xenon when he took video of deep snow covering streets. The snow tapered off late Tuesday.
The ancient ruins in Santorini saw more snow than tourists Monday.
Watch: Rare snowstorm hits Greece
Santorini, Greece, normally a warm weather vacation paradise, covered in snow.
Heavy snow fell on Turkey as well. The weight of the snow caused a roof to collapse in a marketplace in Gaziantep, Turkey on Monday.
Snow collapsed roof of Turkish marketplace
Unusually heavy snow fell across Turkey Monday and Tuesday. The room of the marketplace in Gaziantep, Turkey collapsed under the weight.
Snow stranded thousands of motorists around Istanbul, Turkey as well. The city’s governor banned private vehicles from roads and highways.
Heavy snow over Istanbul
Istanbul's governor banned private vehicle from roads within the city.
24,000 people were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in guesthouses and shelters said Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Authority (AFAD).
Days later on Wednesday cars were still covered in snow on the roadside.
Watch: Cars remain buried under snow in Istanbul from storm
Parked cars seen buried under several inches of snow on Wednesday in Istanbul, Turkey. (Video: @Natyorbizniss via Storyful)
In Hadımköy, many drivers who had to abandon their cars on the road on Monday have still not removed them.
Istanbul Airport suspended flights during the height of the storm stranding thousands of travelers.
Istanbul Airport suspended flights in snowstorm
Istanbul Airport suspended flights from Monday to midday Tuesday during a snowstorm, Thousands of travelers were stranded.
AFAD reported that more than 27,000 vehicles across the country and 81,000 people were working to clear the snow.
Snowy Istanbul
Heavy snow coated roads just outside of Istanbul.
Snow continues in Istanbul on Wednesday and Thursday according to the Turkish State Meteorological Service. Athens will warm to around 50 by late week, reports the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, which will help melt some of the snow.