America begins to warm up after polar vortex - PHOTO

A New York water taxi became stranded in the frozen ice on the Hudson River after failing to smash its way through the loosening ice.Some boats have successfully navigated the ice but the water taxi was not so lucky, after getting stuck out off Manhattan.Photographer Jay Fine, who captured these images, said: "There was much more ice today than there has been the last few days."The water taxis slow down when approaching the ice and motor through to the dock."Despite meteorologists promising a far-reaching thaw across the US, experts have warned temperatures will remain low and the huge travel disruption caused by the extreme cold may persist.At least 21 people have died in the US since Sunday, including several people who collapsed while shovelling snow.The relief from the polar vortex will be provided by a high pressure area which is currently building up over the south west.Alex Sosnowski, senior meteorologist at accuweather,com, said central areas of the US would be the first to enjoy the warming weather."Over the central states, south and north east, less wind on Wednesday will make for less harsh, less dangerous conditions," he said."By the weekend, temperatures over most areas affected by the Arctic cold will reach average or above average levels for the middle of January."However the end of the bitter cold is expected to be followed by heavy rain across the north east, including New York.According to the Associated Press over 11,000 flights across the US have been cancelled due to the polar vortex.(dailystar.co.uk)ANN.Az