Iran's first heavy snowfall of the season has forced both international airports in the capital to close, local media reported Sunday. Iran's English-Language PressTV said a heavily used rail service between Tehran and the holy city of Mashhad was also suspended due to the snow buildup. Tehran's mayor, Mohammad Ali Najafi, used Twitter to call on citizens to help municipal workers shake the snow from trees to prevent falling limbs. Despite the transport snags, many welcomed the heavy snow, which comes amid a severe drought. He warned that if the trend continues, 52 percent of Tehran citizens will not have drinking water next year.

Source: ABC News January 28, 2018 08:03 UTC