By Agencies

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The second major snowstorm in less than a week has hit the US east coast, forcing federal and local government agencies, the UN and schools to close.

The national weather service predicted blizzard conditions, with up to 16 inches of snow in New York City, 22 in Philadelphia and 12 inches in Washington on Wednesday.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled in the three cities and airlines relaxed ticket policies to allow passengers to change their plans without penalty.

Government offices in Washington were closed for the third day in a row, and the US House of Representatives cancelled votes for the week.

Harry Reid, the senate majority leader, said the senate would not be in session on Wednesday but would resume work on Thursday.

He said he doubted the senate would have any votes this week. Many congressional hearings were also called off.

'Record-breaking'

State offices in five major Pennsylvania cities were ordered closed, and Maryland and Massachusetts government offices were shut down, with only emergency and essential personnel required to report for duty.

The bus system in the Washington said it would not operate on Wednesday. The metropolitan area's subway was only operating the underground section of its system.

The storm comes as residents were still trying to recover from weekend snowfalls of 18 to 32 inches from Washington to southern New Jersey.