US snowstorm downgraded despite fears

US cities from Boston to New York and Philadelphia are shutting down against a monster storm that could unload up to three feet of snow on a region of more than 35 million people.

Tens of millions of people along the US East Coast hunkered down for a storm which for most failed to live up to predictions that it would be one of the worst they had ever seen.

Forecasters originally said the storm could bring up to 3ft (1m) of snow and punishing hurricane-force winds. But early today, they downgraded most of those numbers, saying New England would fare the worst, but even then not as bad as expected.