Storm batters US states as governors take emergency measures

The Skyline of Middle Manhattan and the Empire State Building are seen covered during a winter storm in New York as it is seen from Weehawken, New Jersey (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/AP)

A storm bringing high winds and heavy rain was sweeping through the North East of the US, while wild winter weather elsewhere brought tornadoes and deadly accidents in the Midwest and South, flood threats in Florida and blizzards in the Northwest.

New Jersey governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency and New York City officials evacuated nearly 2,000 migrants housed at a sprawling tent complex ahead of predicted wind speeds that could top 70mph (112kph) at times.