News / Society

Severe storm makes tens of millions stay home in US

Tuesday, 27 January 2015 6:04 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 27 January 2015 6:04 AM ]

Pedestrians make their way through heavy snow in midtown Manhattan, New York on Jan. 26, 2015.

Severe snowstorm in the northeast of the United States has forced tens of millions of people stay indoors and it is threatening to wreak havoc in seven states.

Governors in five states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island have issued stern warning about the life-threatening blizzard and declared states of emergency.

"We encourage citizens to stay in place during the duration of the storm," said Conn. Gov. Dannel Malloy. "We believe this will be a long duration cleanup."

Forecasters say up to 3 feet of snow and hurricane-force winds will impact over 40 million people.

More than 7,700 flights have been canceled in and out of the Northeast and regional routes were either banned from being used or reduced schedules.

Schools and businesses were closed early with government offices getting shut down.

"This will most likely be one of the largest blizzards in the history of New York City," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio warned.

On Monday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued road travel bans for 13 counties of New York state.

"It's dangerous out there now. It's only going to become more dangerous,'' Cuomo said Monday evening as he announced the ban on travel after 11 p.m.

Officials are also warning of likely power outages and falling trees as snow is falling at a faster rate with wind gusts getting stronger expected to reach 70 mph.

Boston is also prepared to get 18 to 24 inches of snow, with up to 3 feet falling west of the city.

Philadelphia is also expected to see 14 to 18 inches, according to the weather service.

AT/AGB

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