A man wraps a scarf on a snowman decked out with sunglasses, a knitted cap and an orange serving as a nose, as others play in a snow-covered park in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, July 15, 2017. Record cold temperatures and an unusual snowfall hit Chile's capital Saturday. Normal temperatures are expected to return midweek. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The Associated Press
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) - Chile's capital was blanketed this weekend by the biggest snowfall in decades, with some residents grumbling about blocked roads and downed power lines, while others made snowmen or tossed snowballs.
Tens of thousands of people had their power knocked out in Santiago's metropolitan area with some parts receiving up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) of the white stuff, according to the National Emergency Office.
Residents woke up Saturday to find their city covered with snow and by late Sunday thousands of homes still lacked electricity. Andres Rebolledo of the energy ministry said power should be restored by Sunday night or Monday. A worker at a Santiago hospital died when he slipped and hit his head.
Chile's Meteorological Office said it was the biggest snowfall in the capital in 46 years.
A statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands on the summit of the snow-covered San Cristobal Hill, in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, July 15, 2017. Record cold temperatures and an unusual snowfall hit Chile's capital Saturday. Normal temperatures are expected to return midweek. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The Associated Press
A boy winds up with a snowball in hand in a park in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, July 15, 2017. Record cold temperatures and an unusual snowfall hit Chile's capital Saturday. Normal temperatures are expected to return midweek. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The Associated Press
A boy walks on a snow-covered ground backdropped by Los Pollitos circus tent brought down by an a heavy snowfall in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, July 15, 2017. Record cold temperatures and unusual snowfall hit Chile's capital Saturday. Normal temperatures are expected to return midweek. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The Associated Press
Metro passengers sit in a window seat with a view of the snow-covered landscape in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, July 15, 2017. Record cold temperatures and an unusual snowfall hit Chile's capital Saturday. Normal temperatures are expected to return midweek. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
The Associated Press