The US coastguard has had to deploy icebreakers on New York's waterways to keep shipping and ferry traffic running.
Although the northeastern US is used to cold winters, conditions have been particular icy in early 2015.
Ice in rivers and waterways, including New York's iconic Hudson River, have caused serious travel disruption.
New York City relies on ferries to keep moving and ice build-up from sustained cold weather has brought services to a halt at points in recent weeks.
Temperatures have been consistently below zero for weeks, plummeting further at night.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies