A powerful winter storm has battered the northeastern United States, dumping heavy snow across major cities and bringing transport systems to a halt. The massive “nor’easter” stretches from the mid-Atlantic region through New England and into eastern Canada, and forecasters say it is among the strongest to hit the area in nearly a decade.
Snow fell at rates of up to three inches per hour in cities including New York City, Boston and Philadelphia, with some areas expected to receive close to two feet of accumulation. The National Weather Service warned of dangerous whiteout conditions and strong coastal winds exceeding 70 miles per hour.
Authorities imposed travel bans, closed schools and suspended public transport as conditions worsened. Several governors declared states of emergency and mobilised National Guard troops to assist with response efforts.
More than 150,000 customers lost electricity as heavy snow and strong winds brought down trees and power lines. Air travel was severely disrupted, with thousands of flights cancelled, while public events, including Broadway shows in New York City, were called off.
The storm is also affecting parts of eastern Canada, including Nova Scotia, where officials have warned of possible structural damage and extended power outages.

