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In pictures: Polar vortex strikes North America

Temperatures have plunged to -30C (-22F) and below in parts of North America as extreme cold weather known as a polar vortex strikes the region.

At least eight people are reported to have died in incidents related to the weather.

News imageGetty Images Chicago lakefrontGetty Images
The US city of Chicago has experienced extreme cold
News imageReuters boiling water freezes as it is thrown in ChicagoReuters
So low are the temperatures that some residents have been posting images of themselves throwing boiling water into the air and seeing it turn instantly into ice
News imageReuters Freezing temperatures in Fargo, North DakotaReuters
Temperatures of -37C were recorded in North Dakota. Here, trucks are seen amid icy conditions near the city of Fargo
News imageReuters Wrigley field in Chicago at sunsetReuters
People in Chicago and elsewhere have been told to stay indoors if they can
News imageGetty Images commuter in Chicago downtownGetty Images
Those who have braved the elements, such as this commuter in downtown Chicago, have wrapped up as warm as they can

Chicago is also using fire to melt snow on the railway in order to keep the trains running.

News imageReuters Satellite image from above the Great Lakes showing parallel rows of cumulus clouds also known as "cloud streets"Reuters
The freezing temperatures in the Great Lakes region between the US and Canada have led to the formation of "cloud streets" - parallel rows of cumulus clouds streaming over the lakes' surface as seen in this US weather satellite image
News imageAFP illuminated frozen niagara fallsAFP
Parts of the Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, have frozen
News imageAFP woman walks in Kingston OntarioAFP
Also in Ontario, the city of Kingston has seen snowfall. Wind chill temperatures were forecast to be about -30C on Thursday
News imageAFP snow in MontrealAFP
The cold snap is now reported to be edging eastwards. Here, the Canadian city of Montreal is seen blanketed in snow

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