Millions in US Northeast brace for powerful storm

NEW YORK, Sept 26: More than 40 million people in the northeastern United States braced Friday for heavy rain and strong winds as an unusually powerful storm for the season was forecast to crash into the region.

New York, Boston and Philadelphia were all in the firing line of the "Nor'easter" -- so labeled for its northeasterly winds -- as authorities warned of potential flooding, downed trees and damaged power lines.

British pop singer Ed Sheeran's weekend concerts near Boston were canceled due to the looming storm, which could whip up gusts of over 60 mph (100 kmh) along the east coast.

Several outdoor festivals, including Global Citizen Festival in New York and Oceans Calling in Maryland, were also axed over safety concerns.

The Federal Aviation Administration advised airplane passengers to check its website for travel updates, telling AFP there is "always a chance for restrictions depending on the weather."�" AFP