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'Crippling' snow storm could slam US east coast US snowstorm: Millions prepare for huge blizzard
(about 9 hours later)
Millions of people along the US mid-Atlantic region should be bracing for "perhaps crippling" snow, the National Weather Service has said. A huge blizzard bearing down on the US east coast is expected to dump near-record levels of snow on Washington and the Mid-Atlantic region.
Forecasters say two feet of snow could fall over the weekend in some areas, with Washington to bear the brunt. More than 50 million people have been warned of a "potentially paralysing storm" late on Friday that will bring 24ins (60cm) of snow within hours.
There are warnings the blizzard could cause power outages and bring road and air travel to a halt. There are warnings the blizzard could cause power outages and will bring road and air travel to a halt.
A light dusting of snow on Wednesday night caused gridlock in Washington, raising fears about what is ahead. A rush for supplies led to long queues and empty shelves at supermarkets.
The weather system has already proved to be deadly, with two drivers killed in North Carolina, one in Tennessee and a pedestrian dead in Maryland.
In summary:
High winds could compound problems, with 30mph (50km/h) winds forecast for Manhattan on Saturday, and even stronger gusts in Washington and Baltimore.
National Weather Service director Louis Uccellini said the system had "the potential of being an extremely dangerous storm that could affect over 50 million people".
He added: "We are talking about a potentially paralysing storm that is already setting up."
The record snowfall for Washington is 28ins (71cm) that fell during a two-day period in January 1922.
Boston, which bore the brunt of repeated snowstorms last year, is expected to escape relatively lightly this time, with just a few inches.
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A light dusting of snow on Wednesday night caused gridlock in Washington, raising fears about what lies ahead.
Routine commutes lasted up to three hours and some people abandoned their cars, after an inch fell - a fraction of what is expected on Friday and Saturday.Routine commutes lasted up to three hours and some people abandoned their cars, after an inch fell - a fraction of what is expected on Friday and Saturday.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser tweeted an apology to her constituents, saying that officials had "failed to deploy the necessary resources in response to the snow - for that I am sorry". Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser tweeted an apology and even President Barack Obama's motorcade got snarled up in it, spending an hour and 12 minutes on a half-hour journey to the White House.
Among those affected was President Barack Obama, whose motorcade spent an hour and 12 minutes trying to get him from an airport back to the White House - a trip that typically takes about a half hour.
But it is what lies ahead that is occupying the thoughts of millions of people living on the US east coast.
Long queues have formed at supermarkets, as people anticipate shop closures over the weekend.
"Heavy snow and blowing snow will cause dangerous conditions and will be a threat to life and property," the National Weather Service warned.
Ms Bowser declared a state of emergency in Washington, which will remain in effect for 15 days, allowing the District of Columbia government to request federal disaster aid.
Governors in Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia have also declared states of emergency.
Across the US east coast at a glance: