The first heavy snow paralyzed parts of the USA: a state of disaster was declared in Pennsylvania

Heavy snow, the first of the year, led to a state of emergency in parts of New York state, while a state of disaster was declared in Pennsylvania, warning those returning from Thanksgiving celebrations to be extra careful.

"Travel will be extremely difficult and dangerous this weekend, especially in areas where several feet of snow could fall very quickly," the National Weather Service said.

About 61 centimeters of snow fell in parts of New York, Ohio and Michigan, and over 70 centimeters was measured in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Blockades of roads due to snow and buried vehicles led to unusual events around those busy thoroughfares, so the fully booked Holiday Inn hotel, near the I-90 road, welcomed dozens of people whose cars found themselves on the impassable road in its corridors and side rooms.

The management of the hotel announced that the victims were given food and drink, as well as that they were given blankets to warm up and sleep.