States of Emergency Declared as Extreme Late Winter Storm Stella Batters U.S. East Coast

States of emergency have been declared, as extreme winter storm Stella batters north eastern U.S. states with strong gales, and hazardous blizzard conditions.

The east coastal weather conditions are forecast to worsen over the next few days.

A number of states have declared a state of emergency, including New York and New Jersey.

An update posted on the New York State Government page, said: “With heavy snow and blizzard-like conditions expected from upstate to downstate, Governor Cuomo has declared a state of emergency across all 62 counties in New York.”

Heavy snowstorms are not usually frequent at this time of year in the U.S.

In a recent update, the US National Weather Service, said some areas could expect to see more than a foot of snow: “A late-season snowstorm will hit from the central Appalachians to New England, including many large cities in the Northeast U.S.

“Winter storm warnings are in effect for heavy snowfall accumulations from the northern Mid Atlantic through the Northeast U.S., with some areas likely getting in excess of a foot from eastern Pennsylvania to southern New England.

“Coastal flooding is also possible.”

The current extreme weather conditions have caused havoc for people travelling to and from the affected north eastern states, with an extensive number of airlines cancelling flights to the affected areas until further notice.

Airlines that have cancelled flights from Heathrow to New York include: British Airways, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Delta and KLM.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was due to fly to Washington last night, to meet with President Trump today; however she has now been forced to postpone her visit, due to the dangerous weather conditions. Some reports suggest Merkel will proceed with her visit on Friday.

Last night, President Trump tweeted that he has had a meeting regarding the storm: “Meeting w/ Washington, D.C. @MayorBowser and Metro GM Paul Wiedefeld about incoming winter storm preparations here in D.C. Everyone be safe!”

Be sure to check the status of your flight before travelling, if you are due to fly to a north eastern U.S. state over the next couple of days.

Don’t forget, you can get your travel insurance from Direct Travel at either www.direct-travel.co.uk or ring our friendly UK based travel team on 0330 880 3600.