BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: US ice storms

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Monday, 15 January 2007, 13:13 GMT

In pictures: US ice storms

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Ice storms have hit central parts of the US killing at least 21 people. Some 300,000 homes are without power.

Fallen tree limbs weighted with ice cave in the roof of a parked car

Fallen tree limbs weighted with ice cave in the roof of a parked car

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The extreme weather has downed trees, traffic lights and power lines and blocked roads.

Utility workers cutting branches

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Utility workers have been cutting branches hanging above a web of icy power lines so that electricity can begin to be restored in Missouri and Oklahoma.

Tim Curry uses a rope to pull down icy branches hanging low over the roof of his sister's home in St. Charles, Mo

Tim Curry uses a rope to pull down icy branches hanging low over the roof of his sister's home in St. Charles, Mo

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Residents have also attempted to clear heavy ice from the branches of trees hanging over their homes.

Sue Lunger, Columbia, Mo., attempts to scrape layers of ice from the sidewalk in front of her store

Sue Lunger, Columbia, Mo., attempts to scrape layers of ice from the sidewalk in front of her store

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Thick layers of ice still remain on the roads and pavements in many towns.

Barbed wire covered in ice

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Ice storms occur when rain falls during very low temperatures, causing it to freeze almost instantly as it hits a surface.

Icicles on a road sign

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The storm is gathering moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and cold air from the Arctic.

Ice covered car in Tulsa, Oklahoma

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This photo was sent by Kelly Barrett. If you would like to see your picture featured please send it to yourpics@bbc.co.uk

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