The United States of America is witnessing a snow storm described as historic, as it killed 19 people, canceled 6,900 flights, cut off electricity to many homes, and disrupted life in many cities, with the temperature reaching minus 48 degrees in some areas.

Al-Jazeera correspondent in Washington reported that at least 19 people were killed in record-low temperatures, while millions were left without electricity.

More than 6,900 flights have been canceled over the past three days, disrupting the travel plans of millions of Americans preparing for the Christmas holidays.

As a result of the flight cancellations, travelers were stuck at airports including Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Detroit and New York, while scrambling to find alternative flights ahead of Christmas.

In New York State, which is one of the most affected states, Governor Kathy Hochel deployed the National Guard in Erie County and its main city, Buffalo, as authorities reported that emergency services were no longer able to deal with the difficult conditions caused by the frost.

"There are likely hundreds of people still trapped in their vehicles," said Erie County Chief Executive Mark Boloncars, adding that National Guard troops have been "sent to Buffalo to conduct these dangerous rescue operations."

Ice and snow also closed some of the nation's busiest roads, including Interstate 70, the interstate, which parts of Colorado and Kansas were temporarily closed.

Waves rose several meters in Lake Erie, New York (Reuters)

No heating

More than 1.6 million customers have been confirmed to be out of power, and some regional railways and bus lines have also been closed until Sunday.

Several cities, including in North Carolina, have begun cutting power, due to the high demand, which has left some people unable to safely heat their homes.

And in El Paso, Texas, immigrants who crossed from Mexico crowded into churches, schools and a civil service center looking for heat, said volunteer teacher Rosa Falcone.

In Chicago, "we distribute cold-weather gear including coats, hats, mittens, thermal underwear, blankets, sleeping bags, as well as hand and foot warmers," said Porky Patten of Knight Ministry, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the homeless.

And the National Weather Service expected early Saturday that dangerously cold weather conditions would continue across the central and eastern United States at the end of the week, before temperatures return to normal levels for this time of year next week.

lack of vision

And the transportation departments in several states declared almost complete lack of vision as a result of snow and frost conditions, calling on residents to stay in their homes.

Drivers were warned not to drive during the peak travel season in the country.

And the authorities announced on Friday afternoon that the storm had turned into a "hurricane with the power of a bomb", after atmospheric pressure decreased sharply over 24 hours.

This type of hurricane causes heavy rain or snow, and can also cause coastal flooding and strong winds.