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A severe onset of winter in the US killed at least 21 people in one day.
In large parts of the world, people suffer from extreme cold, power outages and hurricanes.
The southern state of Texas is particularly hard hit.
Robert Pierce, Denton, Texas resident:
“We made a fire and I burned all the wood. (...) That's sad, I wish we were better. Somebody has to think about something when this is all over and make sure that there are alternatives to electricity. "
The freezing weather froze wind turbines in western Texas and crippled oil refineries.
The energy suppliers were then no longer able to meet the increased demand for electricity.
Millions of people have been without electricity and heating since Tuesday.
Many make do with candles and an open fire in order to be able to heat and cook.
Hospitals have already reported carbon monoxide poisoning - caused by using grills or propane heaters in closed rooms.
Four people died in a house fire in the Texas city of Sugar Land.
Doug Adolph, Sugar Land Fire Department:
“They had no electricity in the neighborhood for at least eight hours. It is not yet clear whether they turned on the fireplace or candles. We just don't know how the fire came about yet. (...) Simply unbelievably tragic: a young woman, 41 years old, family, children. It couldn't be worse. "
The infrastructure for corona vaccinations is also affected by the onset of winter in Texas.
In many places, the authorities had to close vaccination centers.
After an emergency generator to cool vaccines failed in Harris County, doctors and aides vaccinated more than 8,000 doses in nearby hospitals and a university.
The US government is alarmed: President Joe Biden has promised aid to the hard-hit states.
An easing of the situation is not yet in sight: the extreme weather should keep most of the USA in suspense until at least Friday.