Photos of Hawaii blanketed by snow illustrate just how cold the US is right now

It's potentially the lowest-altitude snowfall ever recorded in the state

While the UK has shaken off its recent cold snap, the US is still in the midst of a deep freeze – as snowy pictures taken in Hawaii prove.

The island state, known for its volcanic beaches and tropical foliage, was completely transformed by a blanket of white this week.

Photos show the archipelago dusted with snow, including the Polipoli State Recreation Area on the island of Maui. Hawaii officials say it’s likely the first time a state park has had snow settle.

Even the slopes of the Haleakala volcano were streaked with white.

The same storm that brought snow to Hawaii also knocked out the power, brought down tree branches and flooded coastal roads.

Although it’s not unheard of for snow to settle on the islands, this is thought to be the lowest-altitude snowfall on record for the state – it was seen at 1,900m in Maui’s state park.

Elsewhere in the US, schools closed across Washington state and the Legislature cancelled all hearings on Monday 11 February in response to further snowstorms pummelling the Northwest.

It’s thought to be Washington’s snowiest February ever.

New York City is forecast 5-10cm of snow today, while New Jersey could get a dump of more than 60cm, prompting Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency that comes into effect at 12am local time.