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.

Image source, Bob Daemmrich / Alamy

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

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

Image source, Mark Felix / AFP

Image caption, 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.

Image source, Ron Jenkins / Getty Images

Image caption, In Fort Worth, Honey Russell shovels snow outside her home

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

Image source, Montinique Monroe / Getty I,ages

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

The cold snap is expected to last several more days.

Image source, Mark Felilx / AFP

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

Image source, Mark Felix / AFP

Image caption, Perhaps not the world's most impressive snowman

Image source, Ron Jenkins / Getty Images