Winter storm Elliott – latest: Driving ban lifted in Buffalo as blizzard deaths hit 38
Buffalo region worst affected in US with at least 38 deaths after blizzard dumped 50 inches of snow on city
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Your support makes all the difference.One of the coldest Christmases in modern memory has left more than 60 people dead across the US, with 38 people killed in and around the city of Buffalo, which was hammered by over 50 inches of snow.
Nearly a week after the extreme blizzard, the driving ban in Buffalo was lifted on Thursday, although motorists have been advised to be careful around snow-removal equipment and at intersections.
“Hundreds of very large pieces of equipment will still be out clearing streets from curb-to-curb,” Erie County executive Mark Poloncarz warned in a tweet.
Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Poloncarz confirmed three additional deaths, marking the deadliest storm in western New York in at least two generations.
National Guard went door to door conducting welfare checks in neighbourhoods that lost electricity. As the city continues to dig out of the storm, the death toll is expected to climb further.
Beyond New York state, winter storm Elliott’s icy bite also saw temperatures plunge to record lows in parts of Montana, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming, and wrought havoc on Christmas travel plans.
South Korean tour group taken in by New York couple after van got stranded in snow
After their passenger van got stranded in the snow, a South Korean tour group on their way to Niagara Falls ended up spending the weekend at the Williamsville, New York, home of Buffalo-area locals Alexander and Andrew Campagna.
The group of ten — seven women and three men— including a honeymooning couple, college students, a young girl and her parents, and the driver — took refuge with the Campagnas on Friday. A well-stocked fridge and fondness for Korean cuisine saw the group able to wait out the storm in the three-bedroom home.
One of the group, Yoseb Choi, 27, told The New York Times: “It was kind of like fate,” remarking on the luck of arriving at the Campagnas’ doorstep with their fully stocked kitchen and unhesitating hospitality.
He said the hosts were “the kindest people I have ever met”.
“We have enjoyed this so much,” Mr Campagna said, calling it a “unique blessing,” and adding that the experience has inspired the couple to plan a visit to South Korea.
“We will never forget this.”
Multiple causes of death saw fatalities climbe
Storm-related deaths were reported in recent days all over the country, with 27 in western New York. The dead have been found in their cars, homes and in snowbanks. Some died while shoveling snow. The storm that walloped much of the country is now blamed for at least 48 deaths nationwide, with rescue and recovery efforts continuing Monday.
They include: 12 in Erie County, New York, ranging in age from 26 to 93 years old, and another in Niagara County where a 27-year-old man was overcome by carbon monoxide after snow blocked his furnace; 10 in Ohio, including an electrocuted utility worker and those killed in multiple car crashes; six motorists killed in crashes in Missouri, Kansas, and Kentucky; a Vermont woman struck by a falling branch; an apparently homeless man found amid Colorado’s subzero temperatures; and a woman who fell through Wisconsin river ice.
AP
New York AG tells people to stay home and report price gouging during storm
New York Attorney General Letitia James tweets: “My heart is with every New Yorker who has lost a loved one and been impacted from the winter storm in Western New York. As law enforcement and first responders continue to work, stay home and stay safe.”
She adds: “My office will not tolerate anyone overcharging New Yorkers for essential goods during this state of emergency. If you see any price gouging, we want to know.”
Christmas Eve bus crash in British Columbia leaves four dead
Four people were killed and dozens of other passengers injured when a bus rolled over on an icy highway in Canada.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police say that the bus crashed on Christmas Eve in the interior of British Columbia.
The Mounties said that they received multiple calls on Saturday at around 6pm about the crash, which took place on Highway 97C near Merritt, BC.
Graeme Massie reports.
Four killed and more than 30 injured as bus rolls over on icy highway
‘Although the number of patients remaining in hospital is low, this is a life-altering incident for all involved’
Schumer: ‘Grieving and heartbroken’ over loss of life
New York Senator Chuck Schumer tweets: “I’m grieving and heartbroken for the families, friends, loved ones, and communities of all those we’ve lost to the blizzard in New York. I’m praying for them and everyone affected. [Senator Kirsten Gillibrand] and I are continuing to push FEMA to quickly deliver disaster aid to WNY.
Teenager dies falling through ice in Virginia
A teenager died after falling through an icy pond in Virginia on Christmas Eve, according to authorities.
The 19-year-old man fell through the pond at the Piedmont Club golf course in Prince William County, say officials.
Graeme Massie reports.
Teenager dies after falling through ice on pond at Virginia golf course
Nineteen-year-old went into icy water at Piedmont Club golf course in Prince William County
Death toll tops 52 nationwide, 30 in New York state
Per ABC News:
At least 52 people have died nationwide from the wintry weather wreaking havoc across the US over Christmas weekend.
The most deaths are in New York state, where 30 people have died in the wake of a massive lake effect snowstorm, according to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and local officials.
Twenty-five of New York's deaths are in Erie County, which includes the city of Buffalo, Mark Poloncarz, the executive of Erie County, said Monday. He said many of the deaths confirmed by the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office as being related to the storm were people suffering heart attacks while shoveling or blowing snow.
Air travel woes continue
Flight cancellations continue to mount as the disruptions to timetables, routing, and crew schedules ripples on through the holiday season.
Southwest appears to be having an especially tough time having called 44 per cent of Monday’s flights, with a further 27 per cent delayed, according to data from Flightaware.com.
20-year-old who vanished in frigid Minnesota is found dead
A 20-year-old man has been found dead after going missing in Minnesota.
The search for George Musser ended on Christmas Day at around 7pm after his body was found in Baytown Township.
Gustaf Kilander reports.
Man who vanished in frigid Minnesota is found dead after massive Christmas Day search
‘He told us he had to go to the bathroom and then he never returned’
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