US north-east braces for 'historic' snowstorm

Heavy snow is falling in the US north-east, where a "potentially historic" winter storm could bring up to 3ft (91cm) of snow in some areas.

Flights to and from New York have been cancelled and power cuts are reported as blizzards from the Great Lakes descend on parts of New England.

People have been warned to stay off the roads, and stock up on food and other supplies.

Winds of up to 75mph (120km/h) were expected to create deep drifts.

The National Weather Service said the combination of two weather systems from the polar and sub-tropical jet streams would produce a "potentially historic" storm.

More than 6in was on the ground in parts of south-eastern Massachusetts, where about 40,000 customers were reported to have lost power.

In Rhode Island, utility companies said 45,000 people were without power with more than 8in of snow on the ground.

In Canada, meanwhile, up to 25cm of snow as well as strong wind gusts are expected in the southern part of Ontario province, with flurries also forecast in Quebec.

Ontario has already seen 200 vehicle accidents, the CBC reported. At least three people have been killed.