A massive snowstorm has wreaked havoc in the north-eastern United States. At least eight people lost their lives, five of them reported from New York. After sweeping across the Great Lakes, the storm dumped 5 feat of snow in the Buffalo area, with more forecast.

Freezing temperatures were recorded across all 50 US states, including Florida and Hawaii. More deaths were reported from various parts of the country. Residents were reported trapped in their homes and cars, and strong winds and icy roads caused motorway accidents and forced school closures in parts of the US.