The US east coast has been hit by 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.

As snow fell along major motorways along the US east coast authorities warned of hazardous road conditions.

And more than 3,000 flights have already been cancelled in the US.

Gusts of wind are expected to exacerbate the cold temperatures and heavy snowfall

Another 800 flights were pre-emptively cancelled for Wednesday and Amtrak began to cut back train services on Tuesday afternoon along its popular north-eastern route.

(Source: BBC)