The US is braced for what is being described as the worst storm this winter, with airlines cancelling over 1,500 flights.
More are likely to be grounded along the East Coast and Midwest over the next two days as winter storm Stella approaches, with warnings the storm could dump up to 18 inches of snow on Tuesday and Wednesday.
People are being warned of record-low temperatures and dangerous travelling conditions after the unusually warm winter weather took a turn on Monday, bringing an ice blast over half of the country.
Airports in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Boston and Baltimore are expected to be hit hardest.
Change fees are being waived by airlines and Southwest Airlines said it may ground almost all of its flights in the Northeast on Tuesday.
Winter storm warnings have been issued from New England to Virginia and the National Weather Service warned of ‘blizzard conditions in places, difficult travel and power outages’.
The NWS said: "Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency," it said.
Up to half of the US could feel the big chill and in some areas wind speeds of up to 60 mph are forecast.
Virgin Atlantic has said people due to fly to, from or via New York JFK, Newark, Boston and Washington between March 13-17 can rebook without penalty.
