Arctic front grips US north-east

Pedestrians were warned their skin could freeze

An Arctic front buffeting the north-eastern United States is forcing temperatures in some parts down to a 50-year low.

In Maine, ski resorts were forced to shut and a civil state of emergency was declared as temperatures fell to -30C.

In New York, pedestrians are being warned that skin can freeze in under 30 minutes. Several means of transport have also been affected.

A hiker has been found dead in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

The cold front raced down from eastern Canada and enveloped the region on Thursday night, with the mercury dipping to between -29C and -34C in the worst hit areas.

The cold weather stretched as far as the states of North and South Carolina.

Transport travails

Fine, powdery snow made the roads treacherous, and in Massachusetts school buses were halted as their fuel congealed.

Many other forms of transport were also badly affected.

Ferries taking commuters from New Jersey to New York City were iced in. Two New York airports, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty, reported more than 200 flights cancelled.

Powdery snow fell up to 12 cm (5 inches) in some places

In New York, where a stiff wind chill factor made it feel as if it was nearly -30C, there was a renewed drive to bring homeless people off the streets - against their will if necessary.

In New Hampshire, a middle-aged hiker was found dead in the White Mountains, after temperatures dropped to -42C.

He had been fairly well-equipped, but "in these extreme temperatures, it's not always going to cut it," said Fish and Game Department Lieutenant Robert Bryant.

Temperatures could worsen on Friday, and a new cold front could follow a respite over the weekend, said forecasters.