At its peak, reports say tens of thousands of bags were left at JFK Airport in New York, waiting to be claimed.

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.

Satellites high above North America have been transmitting vivid images of the 'bomb cyclone' currently making its way up the Eastern Seaboard.

At New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, all flights have been suspended. 

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

The heaviest snow will be seen in New Brunswick, with the northern areas expected to be about 40 centimetres deep in the white stuff.

A weather bomb, called a 'bombogenesis' was dropped on Atlantic Canada on Wednesday, creating havoc for several provinces.