US: Millions brace for massive US snow storm

The eastern United States was in panic mode on Thursday ahead of what forecasters called a "potentially paralyzing" blizzard, sparking the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the looming closure of Washington's public transportation system. The US capital and the surrounding area could see up to 61 centimetres of snow accumulate in a short time from Friday to Saturday, coupled with fierce winds, forecasters said. With authorities warning the storm could bury Washington under more snow than it has seen in nearly a century, officials took the unusual step of shutting down the city's rail and bus system from Friday night until Monday morning. Heavy snow was expected across at least 15 states, with icy rain and coastal flooding in other areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a blizzard warning for Washington, and said New York could catch the tail end of the storm as the weekend progresses. Ahead of the first snowflakes, American Airlines said it was cancelling hundreds of flights, including at Washington's two airports on Saturday. All flights on that day will also be scrapped in Baltimore and Philadelphia, a spokeswoman said, adding that service would likely resume Sunday. All American Eagle operations will be halted on Saturday at New York's three airports, according to the airline.<br/>