(Washington) Two new deaths have been recorded in connection with the storm that chilled much of the United States around Christmas, bringing the toll of this historic blizzard to at least 61 dead, authorities announced Thursday.
Both deaths occurred in Erie County, New York, where the city of Buffalo is located. At least 39 people have died there and the number is likely to rise further, county official Mark Poloncarz told a news conference.
Among them, four were found in cars, 11 in houses and 17 outside, he said.
With warming temperatures, authorities feared that rapid snowmelt could cause flooding.
“Fortunately, it looks like the flooding is going to be minimal. There is a possibility of flooding, but it looks like it won’t be serious,” Poloncarz said.
Finally, power has been restored for everyone in the county, he added.
The Buffalo area, although used to harsh winters, was hit hard by the storm.
Heavy snowfall, icy wind, sudden drop in temperatures… The bad weather wreaked havoc, to the point that the rescue teams themselves found themselves stranded.
Local authorities must now respond to critics, who question their management of the crisis.
The cold was felt to varying degrees in much of the country, as far as Texas and Florida, states unaccustomed to such weather conditions.
The storm also caused major disruptions at airports, with thousands of flight cancellations.