Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia are under states of emergency and a winter storm warning stretches from North Carolina to Maine. 

Snow has fallen in Florida’s capital Tallahassee for the first time in three decades with the bomb cyclone now moving all the way up the coast. 

Blizzards are forecast to bring a foot of snow to Boston with many other north-eastern cities also expected to get several inches of snow an hour. 

The bomb cyclone comes after a freezing cold snap killed at least 11 people, including two homeless people, over the past few days in the United States. 

Bringing you the latest news on Winter Storm Grayson live and 24/7, with path updates, track maps, weather models and forecasts from the Nation Weather Service (NWS), Weather Channel, Accuweather and other official sources. All times in EST.

6.32am: Stunning map highlights US weather split

A shocking map released by NASA shows how temperature has divided the United States east to west. 

It shows land surface temperature between December 26 and January 2 compared to the 2001-2010 average for the same time of year. 

Red colours depict areas that were hotter than average, while blues were colder than average. White pixels show no change. 

NASA explained: “The map of North America underscores one of the realities of weather—when a cold snap hits one region, warmth often bakes another one. 

“A giant meander in the jet stream is the common thread that connects the warm weather west of the Rockies with the chill east of them.”

5.55am: Thundersnow a possibility, meteorologist warns

Eric Fisher, chief meteorologist for CBS Boston, has warned that Storm Grayson could cause thundersnow for parts for the US today. 

Taking to Twitter, he said: “A whole lot of lightning around the centre of our storm. And yes, thundersnow certainly possible Thursday.”

5.37am: Boston schools close due to extreme weather

Mayor Marty Walsh has ordered the closure of public schools in Boston today, as Storm Grayson move in. 

Mr Walsh told a news conference that the peak of the storm is forecast occur during the day, making travel extremely dangerous.

"Both rush hours will be affected," he said. "Be patient. With the amount of snow we're getting here, we could be plowing your street and a half hour later it could look like we haven't been there."

5.28am: New York Mayor warns of -20F temperatures

In a warning to New Yorkers, Mayor Bill de Blasio has said that the Big Apple can expect the mercury to plunge to -20F (-6.6C) by Friday, adding that the freezing weather should be “taken seriously”.

Speaking on Wednesday evening, he said: “We are expecting a snowstorm to start tonight that continues through tomorrow night. 

“The heaviest snowfall will be tomorrow morning, right around the morning rush hour. We're expecting 4-6 inches, but it could be as much as 9-12 inches.

“These are tough conditions to move around in, so if you don't need to be on the road tomorrow, you shouldn't. 

“We'll also see extremely cold temperatures, getting down as low as -20 on Friday evening. Everyone needs to take this weather very seriously.”

Read more: STORM GRAYSON IN PICTURES

5.06am: Blizzard alerts currently in effect

There are currently NWS blizzard warnings in place in the following regions:

• Portions of central and southern New Jersey - until 7pm
• Inland Sussex and Delaware Beaches counties - until 7pm
• Eastern and southeastern Massachusetts and southern Rhode Island - from 7am to 7pm
• Eastern Essex MA County - from 7am to 7pm
• Block Island - from 7am to 7pm
• Norfolk/Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach Counties - until 1pm
• Pasquotank, Camden, Western Currituck and Eastern Currituck Counties - until 1pm
• Mathews, Accomack, Northampton and Hampton/Poquoson Counties - until 1pm
• Wicomico, Somerset, Inland Worcester and Maryland Beaches Counties - until 1pm

The NWS urges Americans not to travel during blizzard conditions. 

“A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring,” the NWS said.

“Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. 

“If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.”

4.54am: Where is Storm Grayson now?

The NWS currently has the snow storm passing through Maryland and Delaware. 

Grayson is then forecast to move north along the coast towards New York City, Boston, Massachusetts and Maine later today and into Friday. 

4.45am: Weather maps forecast snow from Maine to North Carolina 

The latest weather maps released by the NWS show that snow is forecast from Maine all the way down to North Carolina today.

Dark blue patches highlight regions where snow is “likely”, while lighter blue areas show where there is a chance of snowfall.

4.34am: Extreme weather kills 11

Freezing weather has been blamed for at least 11 deaths in the US over the past few days, according to Reuters. 

Two homeless people died in Houston, Texas, and 96-year-old woman with dementia apparently froze to death in a playground in Michigan. 

4.17am: New York schools to close

New York City’s Department for Education will close all public schools today due to the arctic weather. 

New Yorkers can expect to see 5-8 inches of snow, the NWS has warned, with gales likely to reach 50mph. 

As many as 2,200 ploughs will take to the city’s streets this morning in an attempt to clear the growing piles of snow. 

4am: Thousands of flights cancelled

Nearly 3,000 flights in the US were cancelled on Thursday, according to Flightaware.com.

More than 90 percent of flights from LaGuardia Airport in New York City are canceled and American Airlines has suspended all departures from Boston.

3.48am: Winter Storm Grayson to wreak havoc on East Coast

The NWS is forecasting heavy snow across northeastern parts of the US today, warning that the treacherous conditions could result in power cuts and flooding. 

The NWS said: "This system has the potential to produce strong, damaging winds possibly resulting in downed trees and/or power outages. 

“Minor to major coastal flooding and erosion is possible due to a combination of high tides and wave action, especially this afternoon.”

3.30am: Charleston Airport gets near-record snow

Storm Grayson dumped more than five inches of snow on Charleston International Airport on Wednesday, the third-heaviest one-day snowfall on record in the region.

Charleston's weather service office has warned that “travel is not advised” and “travel conditions will only continue to deteriorate."