Oh my! Storm Stella to crash into US bringing up to 18in of snow

The US is bracing itself for the worst storm of the winter with warnings of record-low temperatures and dangerous travelling conditions.

Almost half the country was caught in an icy blast on Monday after an unusually warm winter.

But forecasters have warned the next few days will get worse with the arrival of Winter Storm Stella which will bring blizzards and heavy snow.

Up to 18 inches of snow has been predicted covering an area from the central Appalachians to New England.

The storm could bring record-low temperatures late on Monday into Tuesday, as well as "blizzard conditions in places, difficult travel and power outages," The National Weather Service has warned.

A blizzard warning was issued for New York, with snow expected to make travel "extremely dangerous," said forecasters.

Report quotes thus:

"The North East is well used to big winter storms, but this one is forecast to pack a real punch.

"Just a few days ago New York was celebrating what felt like the early arrival of spring - people were wearing shorts and t-shirts in Central Park and daffodils were beginning to emerge from the ground.

"Now this city is preparing for a miserable combination of heavy snow and high winds - a pairing almost guaranteed to knock out power and seriously disrupt travel."

Winter storm warnings are also in place for areas from Washington to southern Maine where winds of up to 60mph are expected.

The weather service 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."

Hundreds of flights were cancelled ahead of the storm, according to the tracking service FlightAware.

Southwest Airlines warned of cancellations, delays and diversions for Sunday through to Wednesday.

Delta Air Lines told travellers they could book alternative flights without fees.