Millions of Americans face below-zero temperature as Arctic freeze continues

A winter storm bringing snow, ice and high winds to parts of the US Midwest and Pacific Northwest knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses , with a brutal freeze expected to grip numerous states. (Image source: Reuters)

The National Weather Service said the storm will bring heavy snow, strong winds and blizzard conditions to the Midwest, with dangerous and frigid temperatures expected across the Rockies and Plains. (Image source: AP)

An estimated 95 million people were under weather warnings or advisories for wind chills below zero F (minus 17 C), according to the weather service. Forecasters said the severe cold push as far south as northern Texas. (Image source: AP)

In Portland, medical examiners are investigating a hypothermia death as freezing rain and heavy snow fell in a city more accustomed to mild winter rains, and hundreds of people took shelter overnight at warming centres. The harsh weather in Oregon played a role in three deaths. (Image source: AP)

In Iowa, Republican presidential candidates canceled some events ahead of the state's caucuses on Monday, the first of the state-by-state contests in which parties pick their nominees for November's election. (Image source: AP)

Officials warned people to stay off the roads in Buffalo, New York, where snowfall of 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 metres) was forecast. The severe storm forced the postponement of the Buffalo Bills-Pittsburgh Steelers NFL playoff game from Sunday to Monday. (Image source: AP)

Air travel was severely affected, with significant cancellations and delays at airports including Buffalo Niagara International, Chicago, Denver, and Seattle-Tacoma. Maine Governor Janet Mills urged residents to stay home due to historic flooding and road closures. (Image source: AP)