Greece: Schools have to close due to heavy snowfall

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Unusual sight: A snowy village on the island of Mykonos

Photo: KOSTAS KTISTAKIS / EPA

In Greece, the low »Elpis« caused icy temperatures and local heavy snowfall at the weekend.

In Athens and other affected areas, schools should remain closed at least on Monday and Tuesday because, according to the weather service, "Elpis" will bring even more snow at the beginning of the week.

So far, sunny holiday destinations such as the islands of Mykonos and Naxos have been dressed in white, and snow has also fallen on Crete.

While people in northern Greece are used to freezing temperatures and snowfall in winter, the weather is challenging for Greeks further south.

Traffic chaos breaks out in Athens as soon as the first flakes fall.

In addition, many apartments are not designed for the low temperatures.

In such situations, the city therefore opens public buildings that are heated for the homeless and those who cannot heat their homes.

atb/dpa