Major winter storm hits New York, bringing heavy snow and travel disruptions

A powerful winter storm brought heavy snow and blizzard conditions to New York and other parts of the northeastern United States. The storm, described as one of the most severe in years, dropped nearly 60 centimeters of snow in some areas, leading to a state of emergency, travel bans, and the cancellation of thousands of flights.

New York's mayor issued a travel ban as the city was immobilized by the snow. Officials reported over 10,000 flight cancellations across the region's airports. The storm also caused power outages and prompted desperate offers, with some people offering more than $20 an hour for snow shoveling.

In a separate event in California, the bodies of nine backcountry skiers were recovered after they were killed in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe. Rescue teams worked to recover the victims, who included close friends and sisters.