Blizzard rolls into northeast U.S.; flights cancelled, schools shut

Times Square is seen in the background as a man walks along West 59th street in falling snow in Manhattan, New York, U.S., March 14, 2017. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

NEW YORK/BOSTON (Reuters) - A blizzard swept through the heavily populated northeastern United States on Tuesday, grounding thousands of flights, canceling classes and pummeling those who ventured out onto snow-bound streets.

Some 50 million people from Pennsylvania to Maine faced a "rapidly intensifying nor'easter" over the course of the day that was unusual for striking so late in the winter, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Many heeded official advice to stay home.