Storm Stella is bearing down on the US, bringing blizzards and up to 18 inches of snow to the East Coast of America. Forecasters have put the East Coast from New York to northern New Jersey under a blizzard warning amid fears of travel chaos and power cuts. Emergency has been declared in both the states. Schools and offices are closed.

President Donald Trump asked people not to venture out until the weather calms down.

Winter storm Stella disturbed normal life in northeastern states.

The National Weather Service said the East Coast is bracing for a "major winter storm" set to hit Monday night through Tuesday night. America's weather service added: "A strong winter storm is forecast to impact the East Coast beginning today. Are you prepared?"

New Yorkers are bracing for freezing temperatures and have been told to avoid driving and using the city’s public transport.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: "I encourage all New Yorkers in affected regions to plan ahead and avoid any unnecessary travel as the storm progresses.”

The National Weather Service said: “A low pressure system crossing the Midwest states and Ohio Valley is expected to phase with another low off the southeast US coast.

“This will allow for a strong nor'easter to develop near the coast and cause a late-season snowstorm from the central Appalachians to New England, including many of the big cities in the Northeast US.

“Widespread winter storm warnings are now in effect for heavy snowfall accumulations, with some areas likely getting in excess of a foot from eastern Pennsylvania to southern New England.

"The tricky part of the forecast deals with the rain/snow line over the Mid-Atlantic region with a tight gradient in accumulations expected near the greater Washington DC metro area.”

AccuWeather meteorologist Max Vido said: “Winter will hold a tight grip on the Northeast in wake of the significant snowstorm early this week.”

Storm Stella is set to batter the northeast of the US after unusually mild winter along much of the East Coast.