Massive snowstorm hits US states at opposite ends of the country

Swathes of the US have been hit by a powerful snowstorm, with frigid temperatures, blizzards and freezing rain forecast for days.

The huge storm system moved across areas of the northwest, the Great Plains and parts of the southwest on Monday.

Snow has fallen as far south as Arizona, New Mexico and parts of California, and to the north in Idaho.

‘Coldest day in UK’ for 10 years – weather updates

The storm is expected to move slowly east across the US to the northeast, where blizzard warnings are in place for later this week.

The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of disruption until Thursday.

“This developing storm system will lead to numerous, widespread and impactful weather hazards in the heart of the country this week,” it said.

Blizzard warnings had been put in effect for parts of Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska this week.

As much as 2ft (60cm) of snow and gusty winds of 60mph are forecast.

Officials in Pennington County, South Dakota, tweeted: “Get your shovels handy, get your groceries, and check other needed supplies. The roads will be hard to travel.”

Schools in Idaho, South Dakota and Nebraska delayed the start of lessons or cancelled them altogether on Monday due to snow.

The NWS also warned of storms in Minnesota and Wisconsin, where temperatures could drop as low as -29C and the potential for freezing rains and up to half an inch of ice building up.

The ice could down trees and power lines, causing possible power outages, the NWS said.

Large parts of Europe were also hit by snow over the weekend, including the UK.

Snow blanketed much of London on Sunday night, while seven centimetres (2.7in) of snow was recorded in Essex.

Parts of northern European, including Germany and Lithuania, were also hit over the weekend.

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