Well, the extreme winter weather is being felt across the country and South of the border as well. The massive storm has killed at least 34 people in the United States. The worst of it is being felt in the Buffalo area, where at least 17 people have reportedly died from the storm.
Much of Western New York state was hit with massive snow drifts brought on by hurricane force winds of 120 kilometres per hour. The snow also created whiteout conditions and widespread power outages. Electricity is slowly getting restored and people are stuck with the task of digging out of all that snow.
Travis Dan Raj is following the story from Washington and he joins me now. So Travis, this storm has had a major impact, particularly in the northeastern United States. So please give us an update.
Yeah. Good morning to you, Juanita. Absolutely devastating is an understatement to describe the impact this storm has had on the United States. Now the death toll continues to rise and the highest number of fatalities, as you said, is in New York State where some were found in cars, others outside.
And snow banks. These are pictures right now of Buffalo, NY, where the airport remains closed at this hour, once again today, and will stay shut down until at least tomorrow. The National Weather Service estimates approximately approximately 109 centimeters of snow has piled up at the airport, and that number continues to rise. A driving ban is in effect for almost the entire region, so crews can try to clear the roads, and they are treacherous right now. The roads and that combined with Hurricane force.
Winds means emergency services have been virtually paralyzed. New York's governor said almost every fire truck in the city was stranded at one point over the weekend.
We are in a war. This is a war with Mother Nature, and she has been hitting us with everything. This will go down in history as. The most devastating storm in Buffalo. History of having many battles and major strom.
Now, the governor also said last night the White House has agreed to support her request for a federal disaster declaration. New York remains under a statewide emergency, with an additional 200 National Guard soldiers being deployed to the western part of the state today. As for the forecast, another 60 centimeters of snow is expected between today and tomorrow.
This much is for now. Thank you.
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