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In pictures: Snow blankets Texas

16 February 2021

A state of emergency has been declared in Texas amid widespread power cuts as a winter storm blankets the US state in snow and ice.

With temperatures falling to below -10C (14F), the state's power grid failed when it could not cope with the demand for electricity.

Rotating power outages have been put in place by the grid operator to reduce demand on the electricity system, leaving millions of people without electricity.

Snow around the State Capitol Building in the state capital, Austin

Bob Daemmrich / Alamy Snow around the State Capitol Building — Snow around the State Capitol Building in the state capital, Austin

Texas is currently enduring its coldest weather in more than 30 years.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said more than 150 million Americans were living under winter storm warnings with Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama and Oklahoma among the states affected

Mark Felix / AFP Icicles — The National Weather Service (NWS) said more than 150 million Americans were living under winter storm warnings with Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama and Oklahoma among the states affected

The extreme weather has led some food stores and schools to close.

In Fort Worth, Honey Russell shovels snow outside her home

Ron Jenkins / Getty Images Shovelling snow — In Fort Worth, Honey Russell shovels snow outside her home

There has been chaos on the roads, with drivers unused to the treacherous conditions.

In Austin, residents join forces in an attempt to get a car moving

Montinique Monroe / Getty I,ages Car stuck in the snow — In Austin, residents join forces in an attempt to get a car moving

The cold snap is expected to last several more days.

A man manages to sledge down a slope in Houston despite there being only a thin layer of snow

Mark Felilx / AFP Sledging in Houston — A man manages to sledge down a slope in Houston despite there being only a thin layer of snow

Perhaps not the world's most impressive snowman

Mark Felix / AFP Snowman — Perhaps not the world's most impressive snowman

In Fort Worth, Megan Pennartz and her dog Jensen have plenty of snow to enjoy

Ron Jenkins / Getty Images Megan Pennartz and her dog — In Fort Worth, Megan Pennartz and her dog Jensen have plenty of snow to enjoy

Cities like Austin are not used to getting snow and have few resources to clear the roads.

The weather also brought traffic congestion to Austin

Montinique Monroe / Getty Images Lorries in Austin — The weather also brought traffic congestion to Austin

Pedestrians carefully make their way along snow-covered streets

Montinique Monroe / Getty Images Pedestrians in Austin — Pedestrians carefully make their way along snow-covered streets

A Valentine's Day balloon floats past footprints in the snow in Houston

Mark Felix / AFP A Valentine's Day balloon floats past footprints in the snow in Houston — A Valentine's Day balloon floats past footprints in the snow in Houston

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