A snow storm struck the Northeast, leaving at least 700,000 homes and businesses without power, and all New York City public schools closed for the day.

The third major snowstorm of the winter is reported to leave as much as 20 inches of snow in New York City by Saturday morning, according to forecasts.

Around 237,000 homes and businesses in New Hampshire lost power. In New York, about 200,000 customers were left without power, according to The Associated Press, and another 100,000 each in Massachusetts and Maine.

Meanwhile, New York City public schools were closed after Mayor Mike Bloomberg called off classes due to the snow storm.

The heavy, wet snow will be sufficient to bring down trees and power lines and could also cause roof collapses, the National Weather Service said.

The weather has also affected transportation. New Jersey Transit has canceled buses to New York City. Rail service in New Jersey and Long Island is suspended or delayed.