Storm Cripples Washington As It Moves East

Winter has kept its icy grip on the US, with a new storm forcing school and office closures and grounding more than 2,600 flights.

The nation's capital could see up to 10in (25cm) of snow

Snow began covering a thin layer of ice in Washington DC early on Monday, driven by a blustery wind that stung the faces of those who ventured outside.

Officials warned people to stay off treacherous, icy roads - a refrain that has become familiar to residents in the Midwest, East and even Deep South this year.

The latest frigid blow of the harsh winter threatened to bring as much as 10in (25cm) of snow by the end of the day in Washington.

Winter-weary residents were forced to brave yet another storm

In Philadelphia, a dusting fell early in the day, while up to 8in (20cm) were expected in parts of New Jersey.

The governors of Virginia and Tennessee each declared a state of emergency as snow and ice threatened to make a mess of roads.

Authorities have warned of possible power outages and flight disruptions from weather that could affect millions.

More than 2,600 flights were cancelled on Monday

The storm comes on the back of a harsh winter that has affected tens of millions of Americans across the nation, with ice, snow and sleet brought about by a Polar Vortex.

"We're tired of it. We're sick of it," said Martin Peace, a web developer from the Washington suburb of Arlington, summing up the feelings of winter-weary Americans.

In the capital, buses have been halted and federal workers have been told to stay home.

This NASA image shows the storm bearing down on the East Coast

The US Office of Personnel Management, which sets leave policies for 300,000 federal workers in the region, says non-emergency personnel are granted excused absences for the day.

School systems in Baltimore, Washington and many suburban areas were closed, as were all Smithsonian museums except for the National Air and Space Museum.

However, the Supreme Court is expected to be open.

Just days ago, snow blanketed the White House

In northern Virginia, the Jukebox Diner in Manassas opened up at its regular 6am time, but not a single customer had come in by 8.15, waitress Irene Auiler said.

"I had to drive in to open, and the worst thing was the windshield keep freezing over. I had to stop the car. I can't be late, though," Auiler said.

More than 2,600 flights in the United States were cancelled as of Monday morning, according to flight tracking site FlightAware.com.

Airlines have cancelled more than 87,000 domestic flights since December 1, a record number. There are more than 30,000 flights in the US on a typical day.

:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.

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