Parts of the US are being hit with some of the coldest weather in a generation.
The 'Arctic blast' has impacted areas of the Upper Midwest, and is expected to spread to eastern parts of the country.
The US National Weather Service is warning of "frigid temperatures, bitterly cold and life-threatening wind chills", with wind chill as low as 50 degrees below freezing expected.
A number of states have declared states of emergency as a result of the intense cold weather.
Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer said: "Such widespread, extreme conditions have not occurred in Michigan for many years and it is imperative that we are proactive with record-low temperatures being predicted."
She warned that the city of Detroit is 'particularly unaccustomed' to such temperatures.
In Chicago, authorities announced that all public schools will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
Commuters wait for a train as snow falls Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, in Chicago. Picture by: Kiichiro Sato/AP/Press Association Images
Officials in the city have set up dedicated 'warming centres', including all police stations.
As temperatures continue to drop, we’re adding extra beds to shelters to ensure everyone in need has a safe, warm place to stay. No one in need of a shelter bed will be turned away. Those seeking access to #warmingcenters, a bed or experiencing inadequate heat should call 3-1-1. pic.twitter.com/dGH1oBTpCW
— Mayor Rahm Emanuel (@ChicagosMayor) January 29, 2019
Hundreds of flights have been cancelled at major airports such as Chicago O'Hare as a result of the freezing conditions.
The record cold snap in the US is in contrast to the extreme heatwave currently being recorded in Australia.
It's led to fresh warnings about climate change and global warming.
Responding to the US weather, Donald Trump tweeted: "What the hell is going on with Global Warming? Please come back fast, we need you!"
However, the US government's own climate agency was among those stressing that cold weather doesn't mean global warming isn't happening:
Winter storms don't prove that global warming isn't happening. https://t.co/LDqfq4JH9n pic.twitter.com/ndmLD637Cb
— NOAA Climate.gov (@NOAAClimate) January 29, 2019
