Powerful storm batters northeast US, hundreds of flights canceled

Heavy rain and strong winds pounded the northeastern United States on Saturday, forcing authorities to cancel hundreds of flights and leaving thousands without electricity.

New York, Boston and Philadelphia were in the firing line of the 'Nor'easter,' named after the northeasterly winds.

Nor'easters are large cyclones in the western North Atlantic Ocean, which typically form off the east coast of the US.

They can occur throughout the year but are more frequent between fall and early spring.

Nor'easters are almost always accompanied by heavy rainfall or snow, as well as strong winds.

Residents in low-lying and coastal areas were warned of potential flooding and road closures, as the storm coincides with high tide.

"This storm is expected to bring major coastal flooding to the Mid-Atlantic Coast over multiple high tide cycles through the weekend," the National Weather Service said in its latest forecast.

"Prepare immediately for significant inundation in low-lying areas near the shore, including roads underwater and impacts to homes and businesses," it said.