After 26 years, back-to-back snow pummels Rome

Snow show: Tourists admire the view of the snow covered Roman Forum in Rome on Saturday. After no big snowfall for 26 years, Rome was hit by its second snowstorm in a week. Snow blanketed Rome's suburbs Friday morning, and by evening, it started sticking in the capital's center. Within two hours, at least 5 cm (2 inches) had accumulated.

After no big snowfall for 26 years, Rome is being hit by its second snowstorm in a week.

Snow blanketed Rome's suburbs Friday morning, and by evening, it started sticking in the capital's center.

Within two hours, at least 5 cm (2 inches) had accumulated. Rome's schools had been closed as a precaution, and monuments including the Colosseum were shut to the public for fear tourists could fall on ice.

Many places, including the university town of Urbino in the northern Marche region, and mountain villages in Abruzzo and Basilicata south of Rome, hadn't dug out from the storm a week earlier and were battered again.

Big rigs were ordered off national highways, raising fears that food won't reach stores. Air travel was reported normal. (nvn)