Snowstorm Sweeps Through Middle East

—JERUSALEM -- A massive storm system swept through the Middle East on Thursday night and Israel's capital awoke today to more than a foot of snow, turning the holy city into a veritable winter wonderland.

Some 230 snow plows were out in force, according to Haaretz, and 400 tons of salt would be spread on main roads.

Even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu snapped a snowy picture with his family.

Everywhere, people were shoveling off roofs and balconies.

And shovelers were getting creative.

Snowmen (and women) were popping up across the city -- though given rising temperatures, fast work was required.

Across the Mediterranean, Istanbul battled its second major snowstorm of the week getting some two feet of snow today at sea level. Meanwhile in Lebanon, meteorologists have named the storm, “Windy,” presumably due to the strong winds hitting some 80-90 km per hour in some places. High mountain passageways were blocked by snow and heavy rain is expected at lower temperatures through Friday night.

In Jordan, the U.N. refugee agency prepped for the cold snap at Za'atari Refugee camp which currently hosts 83,814 Syrians.

Crews worked overnight to clear the snow in Za'atari.

And a few snowmen were also spotted.

According to Save The Children, a number of tents collapsed in Za'atari due to the heavy snow.