AMN/

A massive snowstorm has brought most parts of the eastern United States to a standstill, affecting some 85 million people. The blizzard has dumped 40 inches of snow in some areas, with 11 states declaring emergencies. In all, 20 states have been affected by the fierce storm. At least 19 deaths have been reported in several states related to the storm.

All non-essential travel has been banned in New York, transport suspended and bridges shut as the city is hit by one of its worst snowstorms. In New York, Governor has declared a state of emergency. Almost all flights into the city have been cancelled. Tunnels have also been closed. Above-ground and subway train services were suspended.

Tens of thousands of homes are without power and traffic jams lasting more than 12 hours were reported in Kentucky and Pennsylvania. The weather system affects a huge swathe of the country, from Alabama in the south to Massachusetts in the north-east.

All non-essential travel is banned in New York, with officials believing it could be one of the city’s worst snowstorms. At least 18 deaths – many from traffic accidents – have been blamed on the severe weather since Friday. In all, 20 states have been affected by the fierce storm.

More than 7,00 weekend flights have been cancelled in the eastern US, with 4,300 on Saturday alone

Airports in Washington DC will remain closed on Sunday

More than 150,000 properties lost power in North Carolina

Another 90,000 people were without power in New Jersey, while high tides have led to some heavy flooding in the south of the state

States of emergency have been declared in New York, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia