A large part of the eastern United States is suffering from the effects of a severe snowstorm. Power supplies have been disrupted. In many locations, public transport has come to a standstill. There have been hundreds of accidents.

Hospitals in the affected areas have called on owners of SUVs and other four-wheel drive vehicles to help transport doctors and nurses to work. Many schools, government buildings and companies have closed early so that people can get home. Supermarkets have run out of bread and milk, as well as torches and snow shovels.

Meteorologists are expecting a record amount of snow to fall this weekend. Around the White House in the capital Washington, 25 centimetres has already fallen. This is expected to increase to 75 centimetres. In some other locations, up to one metre of snow is predicted.

Photo of snowstorm in US by ANP