Major snowstorm hits U.S. east coast

Washingtonians walk in the storm in Washington, capital of the United States, Feb. 5, 2010. A historic storm started to smother the region under what forecasters say could be more than two feet of snow. (Xinhua/Zhang Jun)

A car is covered by snow in the storm in Washington, capital of the United States, Feb. 5, 2010. (Xinhua/Zhang Jun)

A Washingtonian walks her dogs in the storm in Washington, capital of the United States, Feb. 5, 2010. (Xinhua/Zhang Jun)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- A blizzard with an expected snowfall of up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) hit U.S. east coast Friday afternoon and is expected to last through Saturday, according to U.S. National Weather Service.

It will make it the snowiest winter in Washington D.C. for a century, after a record-setting snowstorm dumped more than 16 inches of snow in the capital area less than two months ago.

"The total accumulations of the widespread storm will reach 20 to 30 inches (50 to 76 centimeters), with some locations in excess of 30 inches," said the service.

"Heavy snow will develop tonight to produce near-blizzard and extremely dangerous winter weather conditions tonight through Saturday morning," the service warned.

Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. each declared snow emergencies, to allow extra preparation time for emergency and road crews.

Some flights at Reagan National Airport were delayed Friday morning and at least 18 afternoon flights were canceled.