Flights cancelled, food flies off shelves as US braces for blizzard

People across states are stocking up on food and other essential items and supermarkets began to wear a denuded look by Thursday.

The US capital and the surrounding area could see up to two feet of snow accumulate in a short time this weekend, coupled with fierce winds and blinding squalls, weather experts said. Government offices from Washington to Kentucky closed on Friday. 

Washington shut down its rail and bus systems from Friday until Monday, longest in closure in 40 years. Around 700,000 people use the metro daily. Heavy snow expected in 15 states. Icy rain, coastal flooding also anticipated.