A record-breaking cold snap has taken hold of much of the northern United States, with temperatures in Minnesota plunging to an unprecedented -37C.

Forecasters said the bitter weather is expected to stay put for days to come and warned of hypothermia and frostbite from arctic air settling over the central US and spreading east.

New York City saw temperatures dip well below -5C, as people braving the arctic conditions witnessed one fountain in Bryant Park partially freeze over.

People in Erie, Pennsylvania, continued to dig out from a storm that brought 34 inches of snow on Christmas Day, smashing the daily snowfall record for the Great Lakes city of 8 inches. More than 65 inches (5.4ft) in total fell on the city in just a few days.

The National Weather Service reported International Falls, Minnesota, the self-proclaimed Icebox of the Nation, plunged to -37C on Wednesday, breaking the old record of -32C set in 1924. Hibbing, Minnesota, hit -28C, breaking the old record of -27C set in 1964.

The subzero temperatures even froze Minnehaha Falls waterfall in Minnesota. Park officials said people braving the ice to get behind the falls were not only putting themselves in danger, they were breaking the law……more here