Britain is not the only country suffering under unusual weather. A "polar vortex", a whirlpool of dense air, has struck the US mainland in recent days, encasing much of the country in ice and snow.
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In the Midwest, the cold snap has broken all recent records with sub-zero temperatures bringing more than a foot of snow, while high winds have forced cities in the region to close schools.
Chicago on Lake Michigan has been particularly badly affected. Here are ten stunning pictures of the Windy City wrapped in ice.