World Bulletin / News Desk

A snowstorm of rare intensity blanketed the Jerusalem area and parts of the occupied West Bank on Friday, choking off the city and stranding hundreds in vehicles on impassable roads.

The authorities said at least 50 centimetres (20 inches) had fallen since Thursday, and forecasters said the snow would continue through much of the day.

"In my 54 years I don't remember a sight like this, such an amount I cannot recall," Nir Barkat, mayor ofJerusalem, said.

Kerry arrived on Thursday and met in the West Bank city of Ramallah with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbasin his latest shuttle mission to try and move forward lagging peace talks.

All highways leading into the city were shut until further notice, with ploughs impeded by the continued snowfall and freezing temperatures.

Falling tree branches toppled electricity wires leaving thousands without electricity.