Major winter storm hits eastern US, Canada 

Washington DC: Millions of Americans hunkered down as major winter storm slammed much of the eastern United States (US) with snow, ice and high winds— causing widespread travel disruptions and power outages.

As per National Weather Service, the storm made its way through the Mid-Atlantic region toward New England Sunday night, bringing snow that is expected to change to ice, sleet and eventually rain.

The storm spawned damaging tornadoes in Florida and flooding in parts of the coast, while in the Carolinas and up through the Appalachians icy conditions and blustery winds raised concerns— putting more than 80 million people under weather warnings. 

Following the icy storm, transportation was seriously disrupted, with thousands of flights canceled.

According to US National Weather Service (NWS), more than 30cm of snow is expected in some areas. While, there were forecasts of possible coastal flooding in some areas, including in New York City and parts of Connecticut.

Snowfall reports received as of 5 pm Sunday. Highest snowfall totals by state so far:
NC - Boone 12"
SC - Travelers Rest 9.5"
MS - Walnut 9"
VA - Willis 6.8"
TN - Brentwood 6.8"
WV - Renick 6"
GA - Clarksville 5.6"
AL - Gurley 4"
KY - Barton 3"
MD - Frostburg 2" pic.twitter.com/ll3SKh07Ci

— NWS Eastern Region (@NWSEastern) January 16, 2022

Winter storm creates hazardous driving conditions in North Carolina:

• Tractor-trailer slid off an overpass on Highway 147 in Durham
• Two people killed in a crash along I-95 in Nash County
• Local roads closed after ice brought down trees and power lines onto roadways#NCwx pic.twitter.com/dwMIceLv0b

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) January 17, 2022

Snow and ice could result in "dangerous travel, power outages, and tree damage", the NWS warned.

In Canada's Ontario province, which shares a border with New York state, officials issued storm warnings on Sunday morning for much of the south. Toronto, the capital of the province and Canada's largest city, is forecast to get seven inches (20cm) of snow.

Reportedly, in North Carolina, where some regions saw record snowfalls, two people died Sunday when they lost control of their car in Raleigh. 

Moreover, several states including Virginia, Georgia, and North and South Carolina have all declared states of emergency.