At least 17 people have died in Buffalo, New York, amid a powerful winter storm that has swept through the United States this Christmas, officials have said.
“There are now 13 confirmed deaths from the Blizzard. Unfortunately, we do expect that number to grow,” Poloncarz said.
At least four of the individuals who died were found outside, three were found shoveling snow, another three died due to a delayed response from emergency medical services, and one was found in a car. Another individual was found inside a building, Poloncarz said.
A state of emergency has been declared in Erie County and a driving ban is in place until Monday amid icy conditions on the road. Officials will reassess the ban on Monday, Poloncarz said.
Earlier in the day, Poloncarz warned residents to stay inside amid frigid temperatures and dangerous conditions outside as the deadly blizzard continued to pummel Buffalo, leaving many stuck indoors.
A second person at the home was taken to Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston for treatment, according to the report.
Additional Confirmed Deaths Expected
“We have many more 911 calls regarding dead bodies that we are also working diligently to get to confirm and recover,” Gramaglia said Sunday evening. “We are also working very hard to complete welfare checks in an effort to reduce potential deaths.” He said the deaths were of people found outside and in cars.Officials expect more deaths to be reported in the coming days.
A state of emergency remains in effect in New York.
In the meantime, the National Guard has been deployed to help Buffalo and the surrounding region to deal with the “historic blizzard” which is impacting travel conditions and leaving people stranded.
Overall, at least 38 weather-related deaths have been reported in the United States and Canada and hundreds of thousands have been left without power this Christmas, according to multiple reports.