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Eastern US prepares for snowstorm Eastern US braced for heavy snow
(about 5 hours later)
Government offices, courts and schools have closed early in Washington DC to allow workers to get home before a major snowstorm hit. Government offices, courts and schools have closed early in Washington DC to allow workers to get home ahead of a major snowstorm.
Forecasters have predicted up to two feet of snow (60cm), which would make it the snowiest winter in the capital for a century. Forecasters have predicted up to 2ft (60cm) of snow, which would make it the snowiest winter in the capital for a century.
Blizzard warnings are in effect in much of Delaware and New Jersey from Friday afternoon to Saturday. Shops in the US capital and surrounding areas are said to be running low on staple supplies as residents stock up.
DC area shops are said to be running low on staples as residents stock up. Blizzard warnings are in effect in much of Delaware and New Jersey.
'Snowpocalypse' Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency two days ago to allow extra preparation time for emergency and road crews.
Virginia governor Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency on Wednesday to allow extra preparation time for emergency and road crews.
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, 94% of the state's snow removal budget has already been spent, after a major blizzard hit the area in December.According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, 94% of the state's snow removal budget has already been spent, after a major blizzard hit the area in December.
Officials said they would have to use emergency funds to pay for snow removal after this latest storm.Officials said they would have to use emergency funds to pay for snow removal after this latest storm.
In neighbouring Maryland, nine counties declared snow emergencies, barring cars without snow tires from driving until the alert is lifted. In neighbouring Maryland, nine counties declared snow emergencies, barring cars without snow tyres from driving until the alert is lifted.
Newspapers and TV shows handed out tips on how to deal with the storm, which they have dubbed "snowpocalypse".Newspapers and TV shows handed out tips on how to deal with the storm, which they have dubbed "snowpocalypse".
Residents were urged to stay off roads, and to prepare for possible power cuts.Residents were urged to stay off roads, and to prepare for possible power cuts.