A winter storm is gripping the eastern United States, dumping more than one foot of snow in some areas, snarling up travel and cutting power supplies. Storm-related incidents claimed five lives and forecasters warned of 64 kilometres per hour winds in what may be the worst snowstorm in a decade. Snowfall is due to reach 22 inches overnight in the Baltimore-Washington DC area, the heaviest since 2003. The storm system is moving north towards New York and Boston. Forecasters say the cities could be in for more than 14 inches of snow.In Europe, snow has caused chaos on roads with the Swiss canton of Grisons recording a low temperature of minus 32 degrees Celsius. Two of London's airports were closed after heavy snow fell across south and east England, with a score of incoming flights being diverted to other British destinations. More than 1,500 British schools closed early. Romania was also hit by a thick blanket of snow. French meteorologists warned of more snow and ice over the weekend for most of northern France, the French Alps and the Mediterranean island of Corsica. In Belgium, dozens of flights were cancelled at Brussels international airport after snow falls and ice on runways.