All non-essential travel has been banned in New York, transport suspended and bridges shut as the city is being hit by one of its worst snowstorms.Parts of the eastern US have received 40in (102cm) of snowfall in a huge blizzard that is sweeping across the region, affecting 85 million people.
Travel restrictions in New York came into place at 14:30 (19:30 GMT).Mayor Bill de Blasio said up to 28in of snow might fall, making it one of the five worst winter storms in the city.
At least 17 deaths have been blamed on the severe weather, most from traffic accidents. Emergencies have been declared in 11 states.
Tens of thousands of homes are without power and traffic jams lasting more than 12 hours were reported in Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
-Agencies
