A massive winter storm has pummelled the US east coast, grounding flights, shuttering vaccination sites and bringing New York City to a standstill.
A taxi cab driver shovels through heavy snow during a winter storm on 2 February, in New York City. Photo: AFP
As much as 19in (48cm) of snow had already fallen in parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and 17in (43cm) in New York City this morning.
New York City and New Jersey have both declared a state of emergency.
The US National Weather Service said the storm would move up to New England, before tapering off tomorrow.
Wind gusts of up to 80km/h are also forecast for several days creating a blinding, blowing snow storm.
The storm has wrought havoc on local travel. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio issued an order restricting non-essential travel from 6am (local time) today, and closing public schools.
New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency in New York City as well as 44 other counties.
The frozen Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain in Bryant Park in NYC Photo: AFP
"This is a dangerous situation," he said in a press conference on Monday. "A life-threatening-situation. Expect closures. It's going to get very bad very quickly."
In New Jersey, Governor Philip Murphy suspended the state's bus and rail operations. His emergency order allows authorities to shut roads and evacuate homes.
A man takes a photo as snow continues to fall in Times Square, NYC. Photo: AFP
More than 1600 flights have been cancelled at major airports in the storm's path, including Newark Liberty International Airport, John F Kennedy Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport. At New York's La Guardia Airport, all flights were suspended as of Monday evening (local time).
The storm has also halted vaccine distribution in Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Philadelphia, parts of Washington, DC and the New York area.
A woman stands at Times Square as snow falls across the city. Photo: AFP
In New York City vaccinations will be cancelled through to tomorrow, as Mayor de Blasio has said it was "not safe" for older residents to go outside in the blizzard conditions.
"We're in a local state of emergency," de Blasio said at a news conference. "I'm fearful that this tough situation we have now could get worse."
Snow hit the west coast last week, with some parts of California experiencing more than 6ft (2m) of snowfall.
A snowman is seen on the North Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC. Photo: AFP
In Washington DC, many have enjoyed the snow in front of the capital's iconic landmarks. After a day of snow on Sunday, the winter weather advisory from the National Weather Service has been extended until Tuesday at midnight in the DC area. Freezing rain and sleet showers are expected through the day.
President Joe Biden met advisers to discuss "a range of issues, including the approaching winter storm", a White House official said.
-BBC
