British Airways has begun cancelling some flights as blizzard conditions are predicted for parts of the north-east.

A BA spokesperson said: “We’re sorry that some of our customers’ travel plans have been affected due to the forecast poor weather across the east coast of the USA. We have cancelled a number of flights to and from the worst affected cities, especially New York, Philadelphia and Boston.

“We’re doing everything we can, including using larger aircraft on Wednesday, to minimise disruption and offer customers alternative flights.”

Agents and passengers are urged to check airline websites for up to date information. Areas affected are expected to include Washington, eastern Pennsylvania and much of New England.

Weather forecasters say winds of more than 40mph will drive heavy, wet snow in from the Atlantic and add that drifts are possible.

The Weather Channel said there was likely to be “major travel disruption”. Massachusetts is likely to be hardest hit, with an estimated 12-18 inches of snow along the coast and 18-20 inches further inland. The late storm follows temperatures of 21C in the region last week.