Buffalo’s recovery from “paralyzing” winter storm continues as death toll rises

Millions of Americans are still recovering from the winter storm that grew into a bomb cyclone, bringing heavy snow, dangerous wind chills and other hazardous conditions to parts of the U.S. over the holiday weekend. Western New York bore the brunt of what quickly became known as the “blizzard of the century,” with Erie County, New York, accumulating a reported 51.9 inches of snow as of Tuesday night.

At least 60 people have died across eight states, according to a CBS News count. In a Wednesday briefing, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said the Erie County Department of Health confirmed the death toll in the county has risen to 34 — the majority of them in Buffalo. That number surpasses the most commonly reported death toll of 29 from the Blizzard of ’77, widely known as Buffalo’s worst storm of all time until this one, WIVB pointed out.

“It is devastating, paralyzing — it has taken 34 of our fellow citizens. I offer my deepest condolences and sympathies to the individuals who’ve lost loved ones [during] this holiday season.” Poloncarz said. “It’s terrible. I understand it. Every time the Christmas season comes along people are going to remember this storm and the death of their loved one.”

All driving bans in Erie County have been lifted except in Buffalo as crews continue to clear roads. The city’s main airport is set to reopen on Wednesday morning and power has been restored to the majority of residents.

Meteorologists are forecasting a steady rise in temperatures in the county and the rest of the Northeast this week.

Temperatures are expected to be in the upper-30s to mid-40s Wednesday, CBS Buffalo affiliate WIVB-TV said, the mid-to-upper 40s on Thursday and the lower-to-mid 50s on Friday. Officials warned that melting snow could result in minor flooding.

Kathy Hochul, New York state’s governor and a Buffalo native, thanked emergency responders and New Yorkers who stepped up to help in the aftermath of the storm.

“The weather events of the past week were some of the worst we’ve ever seen, but together, we showed that New York always stands strong in the face of adversity,” Hochul said in describing the storm on Tuesday.

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