Images from the storm show widespread coastal flooding, cars frozen in floodwaters and snow blanketing New York State.

Forecasters predict strong winds and record-breaking cold air will sweep the region, from the mid-Atlantic to New England, and hang around through the weekend.

Follow our live blog for up to the minute coverage as the “bomb cyclone” targets the east coast.

Atlantic Canada is being buffeted by bruising winds and heavy snowfall today as a blizzard sweeps through the region, cancelling flights and shuttering everything from schools and municipal offices.