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North-east US braced for huge snowstorm Snow emergency in New York City
(about 1 hour later)
A "potentially historic blizzard" could dump up to 90cm (3ft) of snow on the US north-east coast, the National Weather Service has warned. A snow emergency has been declared in New York City amid a blizzard that could dump up to 90cm (3ft) of snow on the US north-east coast.
New York's mayor said the storm could be the city's biggest ever, telling residents to "prepare for the worst". Mayor Bill de Blasio said vehicles would not be allowed on the city's 6,000 miles of roads after 23:00 local.
Heavy snowfall is forecast from Philadelphia to Maine, pre-emptively closing many schools and offices. "We need to recognise this as an emergency, this is not business as usual," Mr de Blasio said.
A blizzard warning has been issued across New York and Boston from Monday afternoon until Tuesday. Heavy snowfall is forecast from Philadelphia to Maine, falling up to four inches an hour in some areas.
Forecasters are expecting snow fall of up to four inches an hour and high winds in the Boston area. Four states have declared emergencies - New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Boston.
More than 5,000 flights in and out of airports along the East Coast have been cancelled. A blizzard warning has been issued from coastal New Jersey to north of Boston from Monday afternoon until Tuesday.
In other developments
The highest snowfall totals are expected along the 250-mile coastal stretch between Boston and New York, but more than a foot of snow is forecast for areas further west and south.The highest snowfall totals are expected along the 250-mile coastal stretch between Boston and New York, but more than a foot of snow is forecast for areas further west and south.
In other developments:
During a Monday afternoon press conference, Mr de Blasio urged residents to "help by getting out of the way of sanitation vehicles" who would be ploughing snow.
Officials were expecting high winds, low visibility and snowfall to ramp up quickly this afternoon.
"You can't underestimate this storm," the city's mayor said. "What you are going to see in a few hours in something that is going to hit very hard and very fast."
Similar bans for non-emergency vehicles will be in effect later this evening for the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts and would be likely in the rest of New York state.
At least 28 million people will face blizzard conditions over the next day and an estimated 50 million people could see more than a foot of snow in the storm.At least 28 million people will face blizzard conditions over the next day and an estimated 50 million people could see more than a foot of snow in the storm.
"In addition to heavy snow, with blizzard warnings, there's a big threat of high, damaging winds, and that will be increasing Monday into Tuesday," said Bob Oravec, a National Weather Service forecaster. "A lot of blowing, drifting and such.""In addition to heavy snow, with blizzard warnings, there's a big threat of high, damaging winds, and that will be increasing Monday into Tuesday," said Bob Oravec, a National Weather Service forecaster. "A lot of blowing, drifting and such."
BBC News website readers prepareBBC News website readers prepare
Christie Craighead and her daughter are preparing to evacuate their home in Concord, New Hampshire, to stay with friends who have an electricity generator.Christie Craighead and her daughter are preparing to evacuate their home in Concord, New Hampshire, to stay with friends who have an electricity generator.
"I have never seen the shops so busy - not even at Christmas or Thanksgiving. We got the last gallon of water, now they just have bottles. The shelves are almost empty, there are no staples like bread left.""I have never seen the shops so busy - not even at Christmas or Thanksgiving. We got the last gallon of water, now they just have bottles. The shelves are almost empty, there are no staples like bread left."
Anne McCarthy is originally from Leigh in Greater Manchester, but now lives in Boston in the United States - she has been preparing for the blizzard ahead.Anne McCarthy is originally from Leigh in Greater Manchester, but now lives in Boston in the United States - she has been preparing for the blizzard ahead.
"Everyone is preparing for the electrical outages we've been promised. We have lots of food that doesn't need cooking and water.""Everyone is preparing for the electrical outages we've been promised. We have lots of food that doesn't need cooking and water."
Speaking on Sunday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio showed journalists a list of the city's top 10 snowstorms, dating back to 1872.
New York's biggest snowstorm on record was in 2006, when nearly 70cm of snow fell.
"This could be the biggest snowstorm in the history of this city," Mr de Blasio said, telling New Yorkers to "prepare for something worse than we have seen before".
"Prepare to be safe, take every precaution. Now is the time to get ready for this extreme weather."
New York City was planning to hold 12-hour shifts for those working to clear the roads, with 2,400 employees working each shift, the New York Times reported.
Some residents have already begun stocking up on food, water and other essential items.
Officials warned residents not to be lulled into a false sense of security because of lighter snowfall during the morning.
"It is imperative that you have a plan in place to get home safely this evening," Mr Malloy said during a Monday morning press conference.
Are you in the north-east USA? What preparations are you making for the blizzard? You can share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you in the north-east USA? What preparations are you making for the blizzard? You can share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
If you would be happy to speak further to a BBC journalist, please include a contact telephone number.If you would be happy to speak further to a BBC journalist, please include a contact telephone number.
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