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'Get off the streets': New York prepares to be pummelled by historic snowstorm

A ferocious winter storm has pummelled the northeastern United States, hitting tens of millions of people and forcing the cancellation of subway services, as New York's mayor warned the blizzard could be one of the worst in history.
Winter storm Juno is expected to dump up to a metre of snow in parts of the northeast, and more than 7100 flights have been cancelled, spelling travel misery for thousands. Some residents stockpiled supplies and others raced home to hunker down.
Authorities have made the historic decision to cancel subway and commuter trains because of the snow – the first time New York subway services have been cancelled due to extreme weather since Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
New York mayor Bill de Blasio has urged all residents to take shelter as Juno bears down on the city.
A huge snowstorm is set to batter New York and Boston. (9NEWS)
A huge snowstorm is set to batter New York and Boston. (9NEWS) (9NEWS)
The New York borough of Queens under a blanket of snow. (Supplied)
The New York borough of Queens under a blanket of snow. (Supplied)
“Get off the roads, get off the streets, get off the sidewalks,” he said.
“This will most likely be one of the largest blizzards in the history of New York City.”
The NYPD has warned anyone seen on the streets, including deliverymen, could be delivered summons or even arrested, with non-emergency road travel made a criminal offence.
State governor Andrew Cuomo backed the dramatic moves.
"It could be a matter of life and death, and that's not being overly dramatic, so caution is required," Mr Cuomo warned.
States of emergency were declared in New York and New Jersey and a travel ban imposed in Connecticut, while New York's famed Broadway and top music venues - including Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera - shelved performances. NBA games were also postponed.
A man de-ices a plane during a light snow at a gate at LaGuardia Airport in New York, (AAP)
A man de-ices a plane during a light snow at a gate at LaGuardia Airport in New York, (AAP) (AAP)
Heavy snow buffeted the region, but there was worse to come with Juno expected to escalate into a major storm with poor visibility and dangerous winds overnight that will paralyse parts of New York and New England.
As well as blizzard warnings, flood warnings are also in effect, with officials warning against power outages and falling trees.
Commuters poured out of Manhattan offices early, packing out stations as trains laid on extra services to get people home as visibility deteriorated dramatically during the afternoon.
There will be limited service in the New York subway system after 8pm, commuter rail services may close at 11pm, and a travel ban could be imposed if weather updates merit, Cuomo said.
Officials said virtually all flights at New York's LaGuardia airport would be cancelled today and that John F. Kennedy International Airport would also see significant cancellations.
Boston's Logan international airport will see no flights from Monday evening until Wednesday afternoon.
Both Mr Cuomo and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie compared preparations with those for Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which killed more than 200 people and caused months-long power cuts.
From 11pm, all non-emergency vehicles were to be banned until further notice, schools will be closed on Tuesday and scheduled examinations cancelled.
The United Nations closed its headquarters early and was to remain shut, forcing the cancellation on Tuesday of an event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Holocaust.
Meteorologists said the storm would bring crippling conditions and warned that 28 million people were in the possible blizzard zone.
The heaviest snow is likely to be in New England. Thunder and lightning could also accompany the heavy snow, meteorologists said.
Gusts of wind are forecast to reach up to 90 kilometres an hour and more than 112km/h in eastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard.
With AFP.
© AFP 2024
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