U.S. media reports say a severe snowstorm that has battered the central United States in recent days has contributed to at least four deaths.
The deaths were blamed on slippery roads in the Plains states of South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas.
Blizzard-like conditions and high winds in the region have forced the closure of schools and government buildings, and have left many people without electricity.
Highways have been shut down because of impassable conditions and poor visibility, forcing travelers trying to get home after last week's Thanksgiving holiday to head to shelters, motels and churches.
This is the season's first major snowstorm to hit the region.
In another weather-related death, a person was killed when a tornado picked up a car and flipped it in the southern state of Arkansas.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.
