Western New York State is bracing for more snow after an unusual blizzard dumped heavy snow and freezing temperatures across the country over the weekend.
At least 50 people have died in the storm across the U.S., with 28 of those deaths in Buffalo, New York.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports over 50 inches of snowfall in Buffalo as crews work to clear roadways. As temperatures rise above freezing this week, the NWS warns melting snow could result in minor flooding and the discovery of more storm-related fatalities.
President Joe Biden approved New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s Emergency Declaration Monday, authorizing FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts in Erie and Genesee counties.
Extreme weather also impacted southern states, as freezing temperatures caused broken or leaking pipes and led to widespread water interruptions.
The winter weather continues to impact travel plans as people return home after Christmas. The U.S. Department of Transportation is looking into flight cancellations by Southwest Airlines that left thousands stranded.
Delayed flights neared 5,000 Tuesday with over 3,000 flights canceled. More than 2,500 flights were canceled Wednesday.
