Satellite image shows aftermath of US snowstorm

Satellite imagery taken in the aftermath of a major snowstorm that struck the eastern United States at the weekend reveals huge swathes of the country still remain covered in blankets of snow.

Taken by Nasa's Aqua satellite after storm clouds cleared, the aerial picture shows major cities including New York, Philadelphia and Washington are still hidden from the view of satellites by a vast expanse of white.

The image, which was taken on Sunday, was released on Twitter shortly after US officials confirmed at least 29 people had died during the extreme weather which saw record snowfall recorded in five states.

Clean-up work continued on Monday with the Washington even warning residents it would be several more days before the city returned to normal after this weekend's blizzard dropped more than two feet (60 cm) of snow along the East Coast.

Severe weather warnings have now been issued for parts of the UK for Tuesday as the storm sweeps across the Atlantic - although it is expected to bring rain not snow when it arrives.