Massive winter storm lashes US east coast, brings New York City to standstill

According to details, more than 48cm and 43cm of snow have already been reported in New Jersey and New York with prediction of more snowfall. New Jersey and New York City have both declared a state of emergency.

The storm has disrupted air and road traffic, shuttering vaccination sites as well.

Flight schedule has been affected at several major airports including John F Kennedy Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. Moreover, all flights have been suspended at New York's La Guardia Airport.

The storm has also halted coronavirus vaccine drive in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, parts of Washington, DC and the New York area.

The US Weather Service department has predicted that the storm will move up to New England, before its intensity would lower on Tuesday.

Wind gusts of up to 50mph (80km/h) are also forecast for several days creating a blinding, blowing snow storm.

New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo termed it ‘a dangerous and life-threatening-situation’

“Expect closures. It's going to get very bad very quickly,” he added.

President Joe Biden met his advisers at White House and discussed a range of issues, including the powerful snowstorm.