New York state shivers at minus 35C

A winter storm packing fierce winds, frigid temperatures and snow pounded large parts of US north-east and mid-west today, causing travel woes as well as dangerous cold.

Temperatures were not expected to rise out of the single digits across much of the North-east, where Watertown, New York state, dropped to minus 31F (minus 35C). With wind chill factored in, the temperature felt more like minus 46F (minus 43C).

Maine Governor John Baldacci declared a civil emergency but the heaviest snow of the storm fell in Minnesota and Michigan, where strong winds produced blizzard-like conditions in parts of the Great Lakes and Upper-Midwest.

Ten inches of snow fell in Detroit’s far northern suburbs.

In New Jersey, dozens of traffic accidents were reported today as motorists slowly made their way across snow-covered roads and icy bridges.

The bitter cold was expected to continue into the weekend in many areas.

About 5 inches of snow had been measured in New York City by 7am (noon Irish time) The coldest temperatures were expected after the snow stops, with winds picking up.