At least 28 people have died in western New York state, most of them in Buffalo, as a monster winter storm continues across North America.
A state official said some people were trapped in cars for more than two days in what was “probably” the worst storm of their lives.
Meteorologists have warned that up to nine inches (23 cm) more snow is expected in parts of the state by Tuesday.
At least 56 people have died from the storm that has spread from Canada to the Mexican border.
US President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration authorizing federal aid for New York State. “My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones this holiday weekend,” he tweeted.
Mark Poloncars, executive director of Erie County, where Buffalo is located, said: “We can see a light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s not over yet.”
“This is a generational storm,” he cautioned, adding that the county has not yet begun to assess the “full toll.”
Citing the local medical examiner’s office, Mr. Poloncarz said many of the victims died of heart attacks while shoveling or blowing snow. Some were found dead in their cars.
State Governor Kathy Hochul, who is from Buffalo, previously said: “It’s [like] going into a war zone, and the cars parked on the side of the road are shocking.”
He added that many emergency vehicles could not reach the worst-hit areas or got stuck in the snow themselves.
A local family with young children – aged two to six – had to wait 11 hours before being rescued early on Christmas Day (Sunday).
“I was basically just desperate,” the father, Zilla Santiago, told JEE News. He said he managed to stay warm by running the engine and kept out of trouble by playing games with the children.
More victims are expected to be discovered after melting snow reveals trapped vehicles and allows access to remote homes.
“Bomb cyclone” winter storms — which occur when atmospheric pressure drops, bringing heavy snow and winds — have affected travel across the United States.
Forecasters say it will ease over the next few days, but advice remains to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
