DESPITE GLOBAL-WARMING DOOM, MIDWEST USA - LIKE NORTHEAST USA AND MOST OF EUROPE - IS GRIPPED BY FIERCE WINTER SNOWSTORMS

BBC:

At least 18 people have died as a result of blizzards and freezing temperatures enveloping the US Midwest.

A state of emergency has been declared in South Dakota, Texas and Oklahoma, where the authorities have shut down highways after a series of accidents.

The winter weather has stranded hundreds of travellers trying to make it home for the holidays.

Flights have been delayed or cancelled. The conditions have also led several churches to cancel Christmas services.

'Raging blizzard'

"The storm is spanning two thirds of the country," said Chris Vaccaro, a spokesman for the National Weather Service.

AGW = BS.