1,700 plows mobilized

About 18 cm of snow fell at Washington's Dulles International Airport, according to AccuWeather, a private forecasting service.

Accumulations of 15 to 30 cm were expected over the mid-Atlantic region to southeastern New England, it said.

US national rail company Amtrak said it would operate "a modified schedule" on Wednesday on its Northeast Corridor line between Washington and Boston, as well as on two other routes in the hard-hit region.

States of emergency were declared there, as well as in New Jersey and Delaware, according to CNN.

More than 1,700 plows were to be mobilized in New York on Tuesday night to clear up to 25 cm of snow, it reported.

Across the Hudson River, New Jersey went ahead with its midday inauguration ceremony for re-elected Governor Chris Christie.

But an evening gala on historic Ellis Island in New York Harbor to mark the start of his new term in office was scrapped due to the storm.

Schools across the Northeast either closed for the day or told parents to expect their youngsters to be dismissed from class earlier than usual. Closures in many areas were extended through Wednesday. Meanwhile, courthouses called off proceedings in the afternoon.

AFP

(China Daily 01/23/2014 page12)