A series of cross-country storms will spread winter weather across the central and northeastern parts of the United States through the rest of the week, with snow, ice and heavy rain in the forecast.

An Arctic blitz of snow, sleet and hail showers has brought freezing temperatures to the UK, with -12.5C recorded last night, the coldest of winter so far.

Snow has already brought widespread disruption to the country, with hundreds of schools closed, transport disruption and road shutdowns.