Snow has blanketed parts of the US states of Louisiana and Mississippi, causing disruption and leaving thousands without power.

Up to eight inches of snow were reported in some areas, blocking roads and forcing offices to close.

In Mississippi some schools were shut, and forecasters warned of treacherous driving conditions.

The north-east of the country was also hit by winter weather, with a state of emergency in place in two states.

The snow in the Louisiana city of New Orleans was its first in more than four years.

It caused considerable excitement, with office workers taking to the streets to watch and photograph the snow.

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