US east coast braces for heavy snow and bitter cold

The US east coast is bracing for the second major winter storm of the year, with up to 12in (30cm) of snow, blowing wind and bitter cold forecast.

Even before the first flakes had fallen, US government offices in Washington DC and schools in several states were closed pre-emptively.

In New York, snow began falling during the morning commute, and authorities warn of hazardous road conditions.

And more than 2,500 flights have already been cancelled in the US.

The storm comes just two weeks after a weather pattern known as the polar vortex brought heavy snow and record low temperatures to the eastern half of the US.

Winter storm warnings have been declared from West Virginia to Boston, with some of the heaviest accumulations threatened along the coastal cities.

Washington DC is expected to see its heaviest snow fall in three years. The White House cancelled an afternoon press briefing and a meeting of President Barack Obama's commission on electoral administration.

But the US Supreme Court remains open to hear arguments.

Temperatures across the eastern US are expected to be 10 to 25 degrees colder than average on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the US National Weather Service.

'Behind the storm there will be very cold temperatures,' Chris Vaccaro, a spokesman for the weather service told the BBC, with temperatures around -18C (0F) in some areas.

'It will be dangerously cold when you factor in the wind,' he added. Wind chills are expected to make it feel as cold as -26C.

The weather has also affected New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's second inauguration. Organisers have cancelled the party scheduled for Tuesday night on Ellis Island in New York Harbor.

Both chambers of Delaware's General Assembly are cancelling sessions on Tuesday as the snowstorm approaches.

Transportation officials in Pennsylvania reduced speeds on motorways and other major roads. A spokeswoman told the Associated Press news agency the state had already spent more than half of its $189m (£115m) winter weather budget.