A massive winter storm that has brought blizzards and subfreezing temperatures to much of the US continues to cause disruption.

The number of customers without electricity has grown to over 900,000 across five states on day two of the storm – 750,000 in Michigan alone.

Nearly 3,000 US flights on Thursday had been cancelled or delayed as of the morning, according to FlightAware data.

The blizzard forced schools, businesses and some state legislatures to close.

Portland, Oregon, had nearly 11 inches of snowfall overnight, the National Weather Service reported, its second snowiest day ever recorded. Slushy, snowy streets caused major traffic delays for commuters.

Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz called in the National Guard to assist with motorists stranded on the wintry roads.

The storm led to the death of a volunteer fire fighter in Michigan, the New York Times reported. The cause of death was not mentioned but local news outlets said that it was because of a downed powerline.

In southern California, known to be warm and sunny year-round, a winter storm warning was issued for millions who were told to brace for unusually cold temperatures, blistery winds and snow.

High winds were also an issue in parts of the US, uprooting a massive redwood tree which then “speared” into the living room of a home in California’s Bay Area, local media reported. Fire officials there said a one-year-old baby was in critical condition.

The Bay Area fire department said they had been flooded with calls of downed trees, blocked homes, and power lines clogging roads.

In Canada, ice pellets and freezing rain were forecast overnight after parts of southern Ontario were blanketed in snow during the evening rush hour on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, other parts of the US are expecting unusually warm weather. Temperatures in Washington DC are expected to reach 80F (26C) on Thursday, a February-high not seen since 1874.

On Wednesday, McAllen, Texas, recorded a sweltering 95F. In Lexington, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee, high temperatures shattered records stretching back more than a century. (BBC)

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