Thousands in Greece, Turkey Trapped Overnight in Cars Due to Heavy Snowfall

Thousands in Greece and Turkey were stranded in their cars Monday night as a massive snowstorm hit both countries.

The storm covered some areas with more than 31 inches of snow and left roughly 16 million people across the countries stranded in their cars, the Associated Press reported. Others chose to abandon their vehicles and walk to public transportation or home.

The heavy snow also caused the roof of a cargo facility at Istanbul's airport to collapse. Hundreds of passengers were stranded, grounding flights to and from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. According to the Cumhuriyet newspaper in Turkey, stranded passengers shouted, "We need [a] hotel." As of Tuesday, the airport's website still lists flights as canceled.

AP reported that Greek authorities warned residents to limit travel. However, many people became stranded later when the snow picked up.

Rescue teams in Athens and Istanbul worked overnight to help clear roads and trapped drivers. AP reported that the army helped deliver food and water overnight while freeing as many people as possible from the roads and highways.

According to Reuters, schools, non-essential businesses and many state services were closed on Tuesday. COVID-19 vaccination appointments have also been rescheduled.

"It was a very difficult night and we faced unprecedented conditions," Civil Protection and Climate Change Minister Christos Stylianides told AP. "I want to again express an apology from the state for all the difficulties that the [stranded] drivers faced."

AP reported that although the heavy snowfall stopped Tuesday, fallen tree branches are blocking Athens roads, and much of the city is without power.

Turkish Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoglu announced on Twitter that all highways and main roads were open after suspending bus and travel service on Monday.

However, according to the AP, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu warned that snow will continue throughout the week, warning people to limit outings if possible. Civil servants in the country were given leave until Thursday, and schools decided to push their opening day to January 31.

According to AccuWeather, Athens has had only six snowfalls over the past 22 years. However, last February 2021, Athens had another snow event, covering the city with four inches of snow.

Balkan countries, including Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia, have been facing below freezing temperatures.