The heavy snowfall, the first of the year, has led to a state of emergency in parts of New York state, while Pennsylvania has declared a state of disaster, warning those returning from Thanksgiving celebrations to exercise extreme caution.
“Travel will be extremely difficult and dangerous this weekend, especially in areas where several feet of snow can fall very quickly,” the National Weather Service said.
About 24 inches (61 cm) of snow fell in parts of New York, Ohio and Michigan, with more than 27 inches (70 cm) in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Roadblocks due to snow and buried vehicles have also led to unusual events around these busy roads, so the fully-booked Holiday Inn hotel near I-90 took in dozens of people whose cars were stranded on the impassable road in its hallways and side rooms.
The hotel management said that the victims were given food and drink, as well as blankets to keep them warm and sleep.
