Blizzards continue to pound parts of the Middle East, covering streets with thick layers of snow and causing havoc in the cities.
Jerusalem woke up to 25 centimeters of snow after the city was hit with its second major snowstorm this winter.
According to police reports, the two main highways leading into Jerusalem were shut down in both directions for few hours, but opened again around midday. Moreover, schools in and around the city were closed the whole of Friday and public transport services were limited.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an emergency announcement on Thursday in Jerusalem, calling on citizens to observe precautions and follow the instructions of authorities.
Meanwhile Palestinian authorities warned people about the dangerous roads, urging them not to drive and to go outside only in case of emergency as snow blanketed much of the West Bank.
Neighboring Jordan, including the capital Amman, and Lebanon also was hit by strong blizzards and followed similar precautions by closing schools across the country, blocking roads and highlighting dangerous weather conditions.
"There was heavy hail in Beirut, and snow has fallen from 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level," reported Wissam Abu Hashfeh of Lebanon's Meteorological Service.
