Blizzard warnings issued as powerful winter storm hits north-east US |LAGOS EYE NEWS

A powerful winter storm is sweeping across the north-eastern United States, prompting widespread travel bans and states of emergency as millions brace for blizzard conditions.

Authorities in New York City ordered a ban on all non-essential travel from 21:00 local time on Sunday until midday Monday, as heavy snowfall and strong winds intensified across the region. Residents were urged to stay indoors as conditions rapidly deteriorated.

Blizzard warnings are in effect for New York City, Long Island and Boston, as well as coastal areas of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said blizzard conditions would “quickly materialise” from Maryland to south-eastern New England, warning that travel could become “extremely treacherous”.

Between 30 and 60 centimetres (1 to 2 feet) of snow is forecast in many areas, accompanied by strong winds capable of causing whiteout conditions. Visibility in some places could drop to 400 metres or less, forecasters said.

Nearly 54 million people are estimated to be in the storm’s path, according to the NWS.

States of emergency have been declared in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Officials across the region have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for possible power outages.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the metropolis had not experienced “a storm of this scale in the last decade”, as city authorities mobilised snowploughs and emergency services.

Airlines have cancelled hundreds of flights across major airports in the region, while rail services have also been disrupted, according to transport officials.

The storm is expected to continue moving north-eastwards, with conditions forecast to improve gradually by late Monday. However, authorities warned that freezing temperatures following the snowfall could prolong hazardous road conditions.

Additional reporting from DW/Associated Press.