A powerful winter storm system struck parts of the Middle East on Friday to the delight of some residents but causing havoc in other locations where snow is a rarity.

In Cairo, Egypt snow fell, reportedly for the first time in 112 years, covering parts of the city in a light blanket of white.

Parts of Israel saw heavy snow totaling up to three feet. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat told The Times of Israel, “We’re facing a rare storm the likes of which we’ve never seen.”

The local meteorological agency said it was the worst snowstorm seen since at least 1953.

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