Eastern US braces for monster storm

WASHINGTON: Nearly half the United States was caught in an icy blast on Monday, with much of the East Coast bracing for what could be the worst winter storm of the year.

Spring may be around the corner after an unusually warm winter throughout much of the region, but a powerful nor'easter called Winter Storm Stella is forming near the coast as two low pressure systems collide, burying a wide area from the central Appalachians to New England under up to 18 inches (46 centimeters) of snow.