Reports from New York state say 10 days of heavy snowfall has left snowdrifts of up to 12ft (3.7m) deep - a record if confirmed by meteorologists.

A state of emergency has already been declared in and around Oswego county, with squalls leaving behind at least 7ft (2.1m) of snow in the area.

At least 20 deaths have been caused by persistent snow bands across the US, though not in Oswego county.

Forecasters warn of more snow in upstate New York later this week.

Reports say that in the town of Mexico, which is used to heavy snow every two or three years, front doors have been buried and footprints lead to first-floor windows.

Houses swamped

Roofs of other homes have buckled under the weight of the snow and 125 workers have been employed on 12-hour shifts to clear roadways.

However the constant snowfall has meant by the time a route is finished, it has already become time for them to start clearing the same stretch again.

After a warm winter though, owners of businesses reliant on skiing and winter sports trade have welcomed the change in the weather.

Deaths linked to the cold were reported last week in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Wisconsin, New York and Maryland.