Arctic storm brings rare snowfall to Rome

Schools closed and public transport disrupted

Tourists take a selfie in front of the Colosseum covered by snow during a snowfall in Rome, Italy. Angelo Carconi / EPA

People walk in the snow near the Colosseum in Rome on February 26, 2018. Tiziana Fabi / AFP

Shawn Roser, from Venice, Florida, a student at the North American college in Rome, throws a snowball as he plays in a snow blanketed St Peter's Square at the Vatican in Rome on February 26, 2018. Alessandra Tarantino / AP Photo

A man skis past St Peter's Square covered in snow on February 26, 2018 at The Vatican. Tiziana Fabi / AFP

People build a snowman as it snows at St Peter's Square on February 26, 2018 at The Vatican. Tiziana Fabi / AFP

The Fori Imperiali is covered by snow during a snowfall in Rome, Italy, on February 26, 2018. Schools and public offices were closed and snow-removal crews were in place as Rome was on high alert for a first winter blast. Snowfall last week in Rome brought the capital to a standstill for days. Angelo Carconi / EPA

A bycicle is covered by snow in front of the Colosseum during a snowfall in Rome. Angelo Carconi / EPA

The Fori Imperiali is covered by snow during a snowfall in Rome, Italy. Angelo Carconi / EPA

Romans have awoken to a rare snowfall, after an Arctic storm passing over much of Europe dumped enough snow to force schools to close and public transport to reduce services.

Rome's Mediterranean climate and proximity to the sea usually result in mild winters, such that restaurants often keep outdoor seating open even through the coldest months of the year.

As a result, the Monday morning snowfall, though not huge in quantity, brought excited young Romans out for a rare snowball fight or walk in the slush.

Mayor Virginia Raggi signed an ordinance Sunday evening closing public schools as a precaution, and many private ones followed suit.

Elsewhere in much of northern and central Italy, the storm also closed schools, disrupted transport and also hit sporting fixtures.

Juventus' Serie A football match against Atalanta in Turin was called off just after the scheduled kick off yesterday.