In the United States, at least 19 people have died as a result of blizzards and freezing temperatures. A state of emergency has been declared in South Dakota, Texas and Oklahoma, where the authorities have shut down highways after a series of accidents. The winter weather has stranded hundreds of travellers trying to make it home for the holidays. Flights have been delayed or cancelled. The conditions have also led several churches to cancel Christmas services. Forecasters warned of dangerous travel conditions in the eastern seaboard over the weekend, with freezing rain and heavy down pours. Flood warnings have been issued for parts of the north-east as the snow begins to melt. The storm began in the south-west on Tuesday before spreading to the east and north.