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Deadly ice storm hits central US Deadly ice storm hits central US
(10 minutes later)
Ice storms that have killed at least 21 people in the United States are continuing to batter the country.Ice storms that have killed at least 21 people in the United States are continuing to batter the country.
A state of emergency has been declared and the National Guard called out in Missouri after the storms knocked out power to 200,000 homes.A state of emergency has been declared and the National Guard called out in Missouri after the storms knocked out power to 200,000 homes.
Churches cancelled Sunday services and businesses closed early or stayed shut.Churches cancelled Sunday services and businesses closed early or stayed shut.
Weather forecasters say the storm system will head north-east, threatening to bring more than a foot (30cm) of snow to New England.Weather forecasters say the storm system will head north-east, threatening to bring more than a foot (30cm) of snow to New England.
Ice storms occur when rain falls during very low temperatures, causing it to freeze almost instantly as it hits a surface, resulting in ice layers sometimes several inches thick.Ice storms occur when rain falls during very low temperatures, causing it to freeze almost instantly as it hits a surface, resulting in ice layers sometimes several inches thick.
Federal assistance pleaFederal assistance plea
The extreme weather downed trees, traffic lights and power lines and blocked roads in Missouri and Oklahoma, where some 100,000 homes are without electricity.The extreme weather downed trees, traffic lights and power lines and blocked roads in Missouri and Oklahoma, where some 100,000 homes are without electricity.
There, about 350 national guardsmen went door to door to check on residents in the hardest-hit areas, and helped to clear icy roads of branches and power lines. href="/1/hi/in_pictures/6263399.stm" class="">In pictures: Ice storms There, about 350 national guardsmen went door to door to check on residents in the hardest-hit areas, and helped to clear icy roads of branches and power lines.
Oklahoma's governor, Brad Henry, has asked the federal government for assistance in handling the consequences of the storm.Oklahoma's governor, Brad Henry, has asked the federal government for assistance in handling the consequences of the storm.
In Texas, 415 flights were cancelled on Sunday at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.In Texas, 415 flights were cancelled on Sunday at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Record-breaking cold weather even hit California, which usually has mild temperatures year-round.Record-breaking cold weather even hit California, which usually has mild temperatures year-round.
Citrus fruit growers in parts of the state are using wind machines to protect their fruit from frost damage.Citrus fruit growers in parts of the state are using wind machines to protect their fruit from frost damage.
The National Weather Service said it was "a very, very big cold front".The National Weather Service said it was "a very, very big cold front".
It said the storm is gathering moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and cold air from the Arctic, and is expected to hit the east coast on Tuesday.It said the storm is gathering moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and cold air from the Arctic, and is expected to hit the east coast on Tuesday.


Are you affected by the ice storms? Send us your experiences using the form below.Are you affected by the ice storms? Send us your experiences using the form below.
Do you have any pictures of the severe weather? If so, you can send them to yourpics@bbc.co.ukDo you have any pictures of the severe weather? If so, you can send them to yourpics@bbc.co.uk
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