Major winter storm hits US and Canada

A major winter storm has brought heavy snow and ice to parts of the US and Canada, putting more than 80 million people under weather warnings. More than 145,000 people are without power in some south-eastern states, and thousands of flights are cancelled. Virginia, Georgia, and North and South Carolina have all declared states of emergency.

The US National Weather Service (NWS) says more than one ft of snow is expected in some areas. It warned that snow and ice could result in dangerous travel, power outages, and tree damage. Highway patrols reported hundreds of vehicle accidents.

There were also forecasts of possible coastal flooding in some areas, including in New York City and parts of Connecticut, with warnings that roads and infrastructure could be



affected.

In Canada's Ontario province, which shares a border with New York state, officials issued storm warnings on Sunday morning for much of the south. Toronto, the capital of the province and Canada's largest city, is forecast to get seven inches of snow.

More than 3,000 flights into and out of the US were cancelled on Sunday, according to the FlightAware data tracking website.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina was among the worst hit, with almost 90 per cent of flights scrapped, and a message on its website urged passengers to check with their airlines before travelling to the airport.

In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster called on residents to stay off the roads.