At least 38 deaths in the United States and Canada have been linked to a winter storm that came with freezing temperatures and up to six feet of snow.
Officials say 34 people died across the US, with the worst-hit area being the city of Buffalo, in New York state.
The US has recorded 46 of the deaths and four more people died on Christmas Eve after a bus rolled over on icy roads in British Columbia.
The scope of the winter storm has been unprecedented, stretching from Canada as far south as the Rio Grande.
The deep freeze is linked to 18 deaths in the state of New York, particularly in Buffalo where the ‘lake-effect’ – when frigid air moves over warmer lake waters and creates a freezing spray – has been lethal.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the city of Buffalo is like a ‘war zone’ and that some people ended up being stuck in their cars for two days.
Forecasters say the storm will ease off in the next few days, but the advice remains to avoid travelling unless essential.
Thousands of flights have been cancelled, preventing many people from reaching their families at Christmas.
Temperatures dropped as low as -50F (-45C) in Montana and in Des Moines, Iowa, it felt like -37F (-38C), which meant people could suffer frostbite in less than five minutes.
Twelve deaths were confirmed in Erie County, with some victims found dead in cars or snow banks.
