NYC, Boston digging out from major snowstorm

Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Thousands of commercial flights were canceled, all public schools were closed in New York City, Philadelphia and Boston on Thursday -- and at least one person was killed -- after a Nor'easter dumped heavy snow on the Northeast.

Several inches fell from Maine to the mid-Atlantic region and was expected to impact about 50 million people -- with as much as a foot-and-a-half of snow in some locations.

The winter storm has prompted officials to cancel more than 3,600 flights.

A doorman in New York City died after he fell through a window while shoveling snow, officials said.

"The potential exists for heavy snow and dangerous travel conditions including the major Interstate 95 cities from Philadelphia to New York City and Boston," the National Weather Service said in a statement.

The day before the Nor'easter, the region saw highs in the 60s and 70s.

"It's going to be a big shock to people, no doubt," The Weather Channel meteorologist said. "It's quite unusual to have such a change in the space of one day."

The storm is what one forecaster called a "quick hit," and moved out rather quickly by Thursday afternoon.

Snowfall in #NewYorkCity at 9:15 a.m. — 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Up to 14 inches of snow expected. pic.twitter.com/3SYvDDCFLg

— Andrew V. Pestano (@AVPLive9) February 9, 2017

Boston was expected to get between 12 and 18 inches of snow. As many as 14 inches was forecast for New York.

"Those are conditions that are just not possible to be driving in," Steven Bellone, a Suffolk County executive on Long Island, said.

The storm has affected several major freeways along the northeast corridor -- including Interstates 68, 70, 76, 78, 80, 81, 83, 84 and 95.

Several U.S. carriers scrapped hundreds of flights Thursday, mostly from JetBlue and American, which have hubs in the Northeast. Runways at John F. Kennedy International Airport were temporarily closed, as well.

After the snow arrived, public works employees began the major task of beginning to dig out from the storm.

"To prioritize safety, we're asking everyone to stay off the roads to allow crews to safely clear snow or use public transportation," Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. "Please assist us by shoveling driveways, sidewalks and hydrants in your communities, and be sure to lend a hand to neighbors in need."