Heavy snow begins to fall as storm hits the US east coast

The US east coast is bracing itself for a winter storm which is expected to bring up to 90cm (36ins) of snow and hurricane-force winds.

The New York authorities imposed a ban on the use of private cars from 2300, and all schools have been closed.

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts have declared states of emergency.

Thousands of flights have been cancelled and residents have been stockpiling food.