Tens of millions of Americans are bracing themselves for the coldest temperatures in years, with winter storms set to pummel the US East Coast.

Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington DC has been moved indoors with temperatures expected to dip to -7C (19.4F), with wind gusts upwards of 30 mph.

In New York city, gritters have been out in force as residents prepare for up to eight inches of snow, while in Pennsylvania, NFL players for the Philadelphia Eagles made snow angels on the field before defeating the Los Angeles Rams.

Winter storm warnings issued by the National Weather Service are in effect for parts of the North East. Heavy snow is expected in western New York state until Wednesday morning, with two to three feet (about 60 to 90 centimetres) possible in some areas, including Oswego along Lake Ontario.