A severe winter storm is hitting eastern North America, extending a cold snap that has already claimed 11 lives.
Forecasters say a severe pressure drop has led to an explosive winter storm along the eastern US, and has already brought snow to Florida.
The US is currently on its 11th day of record-breaking frigid temperatures which began around Christmas.
But the predicted new storm has led meteorologists to deploy a new term - bomb cyclone.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that "Arctic air mass will remain entrenched over the eastern two thirds of the country through the end of the week".
"Very cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills expected," the NWS added.
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What is a 'bomb cyclone'?
A "bomb cyclone" or "weather bomb" is an unofficial term for what is known as explosive cyclogenesis, according to BBC Weather.
This occurs when the central pressure of a low pressure system falls by 24 millibars in 24 hours and can result in violent winds developing around the system.
The winds can be strong enough to bring down trees and cause structural damage.
Major north-eastern cities such as Boston are at risk of blizzards, and it is expected to cause disruption at air travel hubs with power outages also possible.
Governors have issued states of emergency in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia, and schools have been cancelled or delayed in several states.
New York City may see up to one foot (30cm) of snow fall, and similar or higher levels are expected throughout New England.
The US federal government delayed opening for two hours on Thursday.
Parts of Florida, including the northern city of Tallahassee, have already seen their first snow settling in decades.
Excited residents snapped photos of themselves playing in the snow, and school was cancelled in much of the state.
 Credit: BBC
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