Leaning utility poles hang over the road in Weare, N.H., on Friday. (Jim Cole/Associated Press)A storm that has blanketed much of the northeastern United States in ice has left 1.25 million homes and businesses without electricity, and officials say the power outages could last for several more days.

Parts of New England were hit with freezing rain that began late Thursday and continued Friday.

The storm hit seven states, striking New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and New York the hardest. The governors of New Hampshire and Massachusetts have both declared a state of emergency.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick said power outages will continue throughout the weekend and "longer than Monday" for some areas. He said officials will know more after debris is cleared in the next few days.

Gov. John Lynch of New Hampshire said the power may be out for some until Wednesday. At a news conference Friday, Lynch said the ice storm was an "unprecedented event."

A combination of low pressure, moist air, and cold, powerful winds produced the storm that swept through the region, toppling countless power lines and trees and closing hundreds of roads.

Ice-covered trees have cracked and fallen on roads and cars.

In New Hampshire, emergency management officials, the Red Cross and local communities opened at least 25 shelters across the state Friday as temperatures dropped.

Lynch, who has requested federal help to receive generators, cots and other supplies from the government, urged residents to check on their neighbours, especially those who are elderly and live alone.

Authorities said a man in Danville, N.H., died of carbon monoxide poisoning in his camper after he hooked up his generator during the storm.

With files from the Associated Press