A major winter storm has slammed parts of the United States, with thousands of flights cancelled and government offices shut down in anticipation of heavy snow in the nation's capital.
Snow started to fall in some parts of Washington DC on Thursday, where the Office of Personnel Management ordered government employees to stay home. Many schools were closed as well.
Washington was expecting up to 18cm of snow, and forecasters warned of "severe winter weather conditions."
"Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration cautioned.
In New York and New Jersey, forecasters said wind chill temperatures could plummet to minus 12 degrees Celsius, with as much as 18cm of snow expected as well.
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With heavy snow predicted, the NOAA warned of ice and low visibility on the roads.
"Expect travel to become increasingly difficult through the morning rush," it said.
Meanwhile, airports were bracing for travel chaos, as 2670 flights were cancelled by Thursday morning, with cancellations and delays expected.
Other parts of the United States were not spared, and the National Weather Service said 65 million people, including in areas of Texas, were under a winter storm warning, and another 29 million were under a winter weather advisory.
