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US east coast braces for heavy snow and bitter cold US east coast hit with heavy snow and bitter cold
(about 3 hours later)
The US east coast is bracing for the second major winter storm of the year, with up to 12in (30cm) of snow, blowing wind and bitter cold forecast. The US east coast has been hit by the second major winter storm of the year, with up to 12in (30cm) of snow, blowing wind and bitter cold forecast.
Even before the first flakes had fallen, US government offices in Washington DC and schools in several states were closed pre-emptively.Even before the first flakes had fallen, US government offices in Washington DC and schools in several states were closed pre-emptively.
In New York, snow began falling during the morning commute, and authorities warn of hazardous road conditions. As snow fell along major motorways along the US east coast authorities warned of hazardous road conditions.
And more than 2,500 flights have already been cancelled in the US. And more than 2,900 flights have already been cancelled in the US.
Another 800 flights have been already cancelled for Wednesday and Amtrak, the nation's passenger train service, began to cut back service on Tuesday afternoon along its popular north-eastern route.
'Dangerously cold'
The storm comes just two weeks after a weather pattern known as the polar vortex brought heavy snow and record low temperatures to the eastern half of the US.The storm comes just two weeks after a weather pattern known as the polar vortex brought heavy snow and record low temperatures to the eastern half of the US.
Winter storm warnings have been declared from West Virginia to Boston, with some of the heaviest accumulations threatened in the coastal cities.Winter storm warnings have been declared from West Virginia to Boston, with some of the heaviest accumulations threatened in the coastal cities.
Washington DC is expected to see its heaviest snow fall in three years. The White House cancelled an afternoon press briefing and a meeting of President Barack Obama's commission on electoral administration.Washington DC is expected to see its heaviest snow fall in three years. The White House cancelled an afternoon press briefing and a meeting of President Barack Obama's commission on electoral administration.
But the US Supreme Court remains open to hear arguments. But the US Supreme Court remained open to hear arguments.
Temperatures across the eastern US are expected to be 10 to 25 degrees colder than average on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the US National Weather Service.Temperatures across the eastern US are expected to be 10 to 25 degrees colder than average on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the US National Weather Service.
"Behind the storm there will be very cold temperatures," Chris Vaccaro, a spokesman for the weather service told the BBC, with temperatures around -18C (0F) in some areas."Behind the storm there will be very cold temperatures," Chris Vaccaro, a spokesman for the weather service told the BBC, with temperatures around -18C (0F) in some areas.
"It will be dangerously cold when you factor in the wind," he added. Wind chills are expected to make it feel as cold as -26C."It will be dangerously cold when you factor in the wind," he added. Wind chills are expected to make it feel as cold as -26C.
The weather has also affected New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's second inauguration. Organisers have cancelled the party scheduled for Tuesday night on Ellis Island in New York Harbor.The weather has also affected New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's second inauguration. Organisers have cancelled the party scheduled for Tuesday night on Ellis Island in New York Harbor.
Both chambers of Delaware's General Assembly are cancelling sessions on Tuesday as the snowstorm approaches. Both chambers of Delaware's General Assembly are cancelling sessions on Tuesday as the snowstorm approaches and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick postponed his annual State of the State address.
Transportation officials in Pennsylvania reduced speeds on motorways and other major roads. A spokeswoman told the Associated Press news agency the state had already spent more than half of its $189m (£115m) winter weather budget.Transportation officials in Pennsylvania reduced speeds on motorways and other major roads. A spokeswoman told the Associated Press news agency the state had already spent more than half of its $189m (£115m) winter weather budget.
The storm has already been blamed for one death on Tuesday after a car in Maryland slid into the path of a lorry. The driver was thrown from the vehicle.