Heavy snowfall: Storm in the US claims 19 lives

At least 19 people have died in a storm with heavy snowfall that hit the East Coast of the US, reports the Patria News Agency.

The snow that paralyzed most of the East Coast intensified on Saturday, with 61 centimeters of snow falling in Washington, and the snow cover in New York reaching almost a record 68 centimeters, while roads, bridges, and tunnels were closed until Sunday morning.

Thirteen people died in traffic accidents caused by the storm in Arkansas, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia.

One person died in Maryland, and three in New York City while clearing snow. Two people died of hypothermia in Virginia, officials said, reports Reuters.

On the coast in New Jersey, the storm caused large waves that led to flooding in several towns.

In New York, and on western Long Island, strong winds and snow accumulation of up to 76 centimeters are expected, local authorities announced.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency and banned all travel on roads in the New York City and Long Island areas from Saturday afternoon until Sunday at 7 AM. Similar measures were taken by 10 other governors.

Broadway theaters canceled afternoon and evening performances at the suggestion of the Mayor of New York, and an unreal calm descended upon the usually bustling city of eight million inhabitants.

Tourists and residents took to the streets in Manhattan, many decided to walk through the snow-white Central Park, some even on skis, while others made snowmen or had snowball fights in the streets.

Snow also covered the cities of Baltimore and Philadelphia, and in North Carolina, about 150,000 consumers and 90,000 homes were left without electricity on Saturday.