At least 38 deaths have now been linked to a severe Arctic freeze that continues to pummel the US and Canada.

Officials say 34 people died across the United States, with Buffalo, New York, being the hardest hit.

A bus toppled over on an ice road in the town of Merritt in the western province of British Columbia, killing four people.

The extent of the winter storm has been extraordinary, extending from Canada to the Rio Grande.

Forecasters predict that the storm will dissipate in the next days, but travellers should avoid travelling unless strictly essential.

The storm has been wreaking havoc for days, but power has been gradually restored following previous blackouts.

Thousands of flights have been cancelled, preventing many people from celebrating Christmas with their families.

More than 55 million Americans remained under wind chill alerts on Sunday.

The bomb cyclone winter storm, which occurs when atmospheric pressure drops bringing heavy snow and winds.

In Canada, the provinces of Ontario and Quebec are bearing the brunt of the storm.