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Snowstorm blankets US East Coast Snowstorm blankets US East Coast
(about 2 hours later)
A fierce winter snowstorm has hit the eastern United States, leaving three people dead and bringing travel chaos.A fierce winter snowstorm has hit the eastern United States, leaving three people dead and bringing travel chaos.
Flights were grounded in Washington and Baltimore after more than one foot (30cm) of snow fell in some areas, with up to 22in expected by Saturday night.Flights were grounded in Washington and Baltimore after more than one foot (30cm) of snow fell in some areas, with up to 22in expected by Saturday night.
A blizzard warning has been issued by the US National Weather Service with wind gusts of up to 40mph (64km/h) forecast.A blizzard warning has been issued by the US National Weather Service with wind gusts of up to 40mph (64km/h) forecast.
Some areas declared a snow emergency, warning people to stay at home.Some areas declared a snow emergency, warning people to stay at home.
Snow ploughs cleared the runway at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington as President Barack Obama returned from climate talks in Copenhagen.Snow ploughs cleared the runway at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington as President Barack Obama returned from climate talks in Copenhagen.
Mayors never want to have 20 inches of snow Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty In pictures: US snow stormsMayors never want to have 20 inches of snow Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty In pictures: US snow storms
The White House said the president travelled in a motorcade back home, rather than by helicopter, because of the weather. The president travelled in a motorcade back home, rather than by helicopter, because of the weather, The White House says.
In Virginia several hundred motorists became stranded in their vehicles and had to be rescued by the National Guard. In Virginia, several hundred motorists became stranded in their vehicles and had to be rescued by the National Guard.
While some wanted to stay in vehicles, about 100 people were taken to shelters, said Bob Spieldenner, spokesman for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. "We're definitely trying to keep people off the roads," he added. While some wanted to stay in vehicles, about 100 people were taken to shelters, said Bob Spieldenner, spokesman for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
Mr Spieldenner told the BBC News website one person was killed late on Friday in Carroll County, Virginia, when a car hit a tree. "We're definitely trying to keep people off the roads," he added.
Traffic accidents
Mr Spieldenner told the BBC News website that one person had been killed late on Friday in Carroll County, Virginia, when a car hit a tree.
Two more died - one in another road traffic accident - on Saturday in Hampton city in the state, he added.Two more died - one in another road traffic accident - on Saturday in Hampton city in the state, he added.
The US National Weather Service said the storm was expected to reach as far north as Massachusetts on Sunday.The US National Weather Service said the storm was expected to reach as far north as Massachusetts on Sunday.
Heavy snow is expected to fall from North Carolina to New York, with major cities including Baltimore and Philadelphia bracing themselves for one foot (30cm) or more of snow. Heavy snow is expected to fall from North Carolina to New York, with major cities including Baltimore and Philadelphia bracing themselves for a foot or more of snow.
Washington DC is preparing to be hit by what could be its worst winter storm since 2003. Washington DC is preparing for what could be its worst winter storm since 2003.
Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty declared a snow emergency, asking residents to stay at home as the US capital braced for what has been dubbed "The Shopper Stopper Storm".Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty declared a snow emergency, asking residents to stay at home as the US capital braced for what has been dubbed "The Shopper Stopper Storm".
"Mayors never want to have 20 inches of snow. But if you're going to get 20 inches, you have it on a weekend where people don't have to get anywhere, they don't have to get their kids anywhere," Mr Fenty said. "Mayors never want to have 20 inches of snow," Mr Fenty said.
"But if you're going to get 20 inches, you have it on a weekend where people don't have to get anywhere, they don't have to get their kids anywhere."
Have you been affected by the snowstorm in the US? Send us your comments.Have you been affected by the snowstorm in the US? Send us your comments.
You can send your pictures and video to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here.You can send your pictures and video to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here.
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