Winter storm – Up to 41 dead in US due to cold and storm

Temperatures were in the double digit minus range in many areas. With icy winds and heavy downpours, conditions have become life-threatening in some places, especially in the region and around the Great Lakes in the northeastern United States and along the Canadian border. Electricity was cut off in lakhs of homes.

The storm hit the city of Buffalo on the shores of Lake Erie in the state of New York, USA with its full force. Heavy snowfall and strong winds created conditions on the roads where motorists could become distracted due to very low visibility. Many people were trapped in their homes and vehicles. At times the police and fire brigade were unable to respond to emergency calls.

According to the New York Times and the Washington Post, the number of victims in the hard-hit Buffalo area alone has risen to twelve. The oldest of the victims was 93 and the youngest was 26. Erie County Executive Director Mark Polancarz said the dead were found in homes and on the street.