On Monday, the Buffalo area in New York remained paralyzed due to a devastating blizzard that left 28 people dead. According to the officials, it was the worst winter storm in Buffalo’s long storied history, and more dead bodies may be recovered as search and rescue missions are underway.
What is the Complete News?
After four continuous days of snow falling, the Buffalo area in New York faced a crippling blizzard, which brought more than 40 inches of snow, resulting in at least 28 people dead on Monday.
However, the dead bodies are still being recovered as search and rescue missions are underway, according to Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia. He also added some of the recent deaths were due to natural causes.
The emergency responders are on their way to take people to warm shelters and help houses without heat. One hundred National Guard troops are also deployed to help with the rescue efforts, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
Unfortunately, the people going out in their vehicles and getting stuck in the snow are blocking the rescue and recovery efforts of the emergency responders.
That is why commissioner Joseph Gramaglia appealed to all New Yorkers, especially people living in Buffalo, to stay home.
In a news conference, the Buffalo mayor made a statement that more than 10,000 people were without power, which resulted in their home temperature dropping to 40 degrees.
Mayor said that they understand the challenges and frustration people are facing in this crippling snowstorm.
The Most Devastating Snow Storm in the History
During an interview with a news conference, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul described this blizzard as the most devastating snowstorm in Buffalo’s long, storied history. She even requested President Joe Biden to issue federal emergency declarations for Erie and Genesee countries.
I spoke with @GovKathyHochul to get an update on the extreme winter weather hitting New York. We stand ready to make sure they have the resources they need to get through this.
My heart is with those who lost loved ones this holiday weekend. You are in my and Jill’s prayers. pic.twitter.com/Lt6eZ1YJR5
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 26, 2022
In response, Biden also tweeted that he spoke to Kathy to get an update on the incident. Biden appealed to the people to follow the warnings of local officials. He gave an assurity that they stand ready to provide resources to get through this.
He also showed condolence to people who lost their loved ones this holiday weekend.
What Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has to Say about this Devastating Blizzard
Very sadly, the @ECDOH Medical Examiner has confirmed another 2 deaths from the Blizzard. Total deaths are now 27. Of these:
– 3 were from an EMS Delay;
– 14 were found outside;
– 3 were from shoveling/blowing cardiac events;
– 4 were from no heat; &
– 3 were in a vehicle. pic.twitter.com/Om996bJMoo— Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) December 26, 2022
Mark reacted on his Twitter handle, saying 27 people died in the county; three died after EMS services got delayed, three were found dead in their vehicles, three died due to blowing cardiac arrest, four died due to no warmth and 14 were found outside.
According to him, the number of dead bodies will continue to increase. During a conversation with The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, Mark Poloncarz said that he is aware of recovered bodies being brought to the temporary morgue.
Many dead bodies are present in various hospitals, and an examination is underway to determine if individuals died due to this blizzard. Mark also stated that the emergency responders are trying to recover, clearing off the street and providing help to areas that still have not ploughed.
While describing the City, Mark mentioned that the roads are almost impassable, with gathered snow and abandoned vehicles and ambulances scattered everywhere.
In that case, the emergency and recovery vehicles are sent out to rescue the stuck vehicles and ambulances, Mark said.
What’s Next?
According to the sources, the winter storm warnings will remain in effect for Jefferson and Lewis Counties until Tuesday, 1 pm. Additional 8 to 16 inches of snow could fall in upcoming days, the National Weather Services says.
People are asked to stay home and stay safe.
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