In pictures: Snow chaos in north-eastern US

The US states of New York, New Hampshire and Michigan have been hit by heavy snowfall that has killed at least seven people, trapped many more in their homes and caused travel mayhem.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo described Wednesday's snowstorm as a "historic event". In some areas there was estimated to be 8ft of snow.

The snow blanketed large areas of the north-eastern US, with more still falling.

The cold blast is expected to keep temperatures below freezing until the weekend.

The weather severely disrupted transport, closing motorways and stranding vehicles.

Among those affected by the storm were members of the Niagara University women's basketball team, who were stranded on their bus for nearly 30 hours.

This was the scene at a football stadium in New York State after the snowfall.

It is likely to take days to clear up after the snowfall and the authorities warn there could be heavy flooding when the snow melts.

Members of the National Guard have been drafted in to help relief efforts.

Some people were reportedly stuck in their cars for a day and a half after the snow hit.

This picture, sent to the BBC by Buffalo city resident Kristen Conrad, shows his father Dennis standing on a 4ft fence outside their home while trying to clear a 7ft drift.