WASHINGTON, Feb 14: The most powerful snowstorm of the season pummelled the US on Wednesday, sticking an icy dagger into the heart of Valentine's Day and slowing the federal government in Washington.

A massive weather system -- the biggest this winter -- started in the US southwest, swept through the Midwest, regained strength off the Virginia coast and was lumbering up the East Coast.

“Just in time for Valentine's Day,” Dennis Feltgen, a meterologist at the National Weather Service said. The storm was expected to clobber the northeastern states, he said.

“Things will get worse today before they get better,” he said.

Blizzard warnings were hoisted as heavy snows and high winds were expected to cut visibility to near zero, the service said, warning people in the area to stay indoors.

The weather service issues blizzard warnings when sustained winds or frequent gusts over 56 kilometres per hour are combined with “considerable” falling and drifting snow.

In Washington, the US capital awoke to an icy mix of snow and sleet that closed airports and slowed the federal government.

As snow covered the layer of ice on Washington streets, roads became treacherous and bus routes were cancelled, stalling commuters.

Travel was “treacherous” on the slippery roads as heavy ice downed trees and power lines, the service said. Wind gusts of up to 64 kilometers an hour were forecast for Wednesday afternoon.

In New York City, meteorologists warned of freezing rain and sleet, with snow accumulating one to three inches.—AFP