Thousands of flights cancelled as severe ice storm batters South, East Coast of US

More than 65000 commercial flights on Wednesday and 35000 flights on Thursday were cancelled as a severe ice storm swept across South, East coast regions of US. Governors declared states of

emergencies from Louisiana to New Jersey as hundreds of schools and colleges were shut owing to extreme weather conditions.

Power outages were prevalent throughout the regions of Georgia and Carolina. According to reports, 400000 homes and businesses were without power. The U.S. Department of Energy reported that 363,000 power customers were without electricity as of mid-afternoon.

At least 13 people were reported dead including three people killed when an ambulance skidded off an icy road in Carlsbad, Texas.

Weather warnings have been issued in many states. Tourists are advised to take shelter in hotels and avoid commuting via roads affected by the storm. Shelters were opened in Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina to help those stranded by the storm. Tourists are also advised to check with local airport authorities to get information on latest flight schedules.