1 Million Americans affected; Thousands of flights canceled

NEW YORK (TIP): A huge snow storm blanketed the densely populated US North-east, after wreaking havoc with ice in the South. Across the typically mild South, about 750,000 homes and businesses lack power, and about 6,500 flights have been cancelled.

The weather system has affected a Million people in about 22 states from Texas to Maine and caused at least 18 deaths. The storm dumped up to 15in (30cm) of snow in the Washington DC region and 8 to 10in around New York City overnight.

A deserted road. There was hardly any movement

Snow-covered streets were deserted during the morning commute in the nation’s capital, where the federal government shut down its offices. Almost 6,500 flights were cancelled on Thursday, according to airline-tracking website FlightAware.com.

In New York City,Mayor Bill de Blasio was criticized for keeping schools open despite the snow piling on the ground. Mayor de Blasio responded that many parents depended on schools to watch over their children while they work.