Snowmageddon freezes eastern US

A major clean-up is underway in the United States after a snowstorm that paralysed the East Coast, and caused the deaths of at least 19 people.

Snowmageddon freezes eastern USSnowmageddon freezes eastern US

Snowmageddon freezes eastern US

A travel ban for New York City has been lifted but Washington remains at a standstill.

The massive blizzard hit eastern United States, affecting some 85 million people.

In New York, it's hit the records as the second-biggest storm in the city's history.

The US National Weather Service says 68 centimetres of snow has been recorded there, just below the 2006 record of 68.33 centimetres.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio says the city's emergency services are working hard to ensure public transport is up and running again.

Mr De Blasio praised the transportation authority for their efforts.

"What we know now is that this storm was the second-largest snowstorm, in terms of accumulation, in the history of this city going back to when records were first kept in 1869, so almost a century and a half."

Governor of New York state Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency, as have ten other state governors.

He has warned residents to stay off the roads even as the state-wide travel ban is lifted.

Mr Cuomo thanked New Yorkers for their patience as the winter storm slammed the region.

"I know New Yorkers were inconvenienced but in true New Yorker spirit, they rose to the occasion. It was also heartwarming to see yesterday how New Yorkers were there and rallied one for the other."

In Washington the metro rail service and airports are expected to remain closed.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a call for 4,000 people to help dig the city out, in addition to the 2,000 volunteers already signed up.

Ms Bowser says it will take several days to clear the snow.

"We're really focused on digging out Washington DC. Our goal today continues to be to make the major roads passable, and to do as much as we can on secondary roads. And that work will continue for the coming days."

Thousands of flights were cancelled over the weekend and disruption is likely to continue into the working week.

The severe storm, dubbed Snowmageddon and Snowzilla on social media, is weakening and heading for the Atlantic Ocean.

 






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