DHAKA: A massive snowstorm has brought much of the eastern US to a standstill, affecting some 85 million people.

The blizzard has dumped 40in (102cm) of snow in some areas, with 11 states declaring emergencies, reports the BBC.

All non-essential travel is banned in New York, with officials believing it could be one of the city's worst snowstorms.

At least 18 deaths - many from traffic accidents - have been blamed on the severe weather since Friday.

In all, 20 states have been affected by the fierce storm.

Tens of thousands of homes are now without power and traffic jams lasting more than 12 hours were reported in Kentucky and Pennsylvania on Saturday.

In rural Virginia - parts of which had more than 30in of snow - there were more than 1,000 car crashes and two people died of hypothermia.

The heaviest unofficial snowfalls recorded by mid-afternoon on Saturday included:

    40in (102cm) - Berkeley County, West Virginia
    35.5in (90cm) - Morgan County, West Virginia
   34in (86cm) - Washington County, Maryland

In New York, travel restrictions came into effect in the city at at 14:30 (19:30 GMT), with transport being suspended and bridges shut.

Emergency vehicles and workers carrying out repairs are being allowed to use roads - but those driving non-essential vehicles risk being arrested

Almost all flights into the city have been cancelled.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said up to 28in of snow might fall, making it one of the five worst winter storms in the city.

BDST: 1119 HRS, JAN 24, 2016
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