Dec. 28 (UPI) — While western New Yorkers continue to dig out of the deadly winter storm that slammed nearly the entire country in the past week, the death toll continues to rise.
At least 37 people are confirmed dead in Erie County, N.Y. alone, county Executive Mark Poloncarz said Wednesday. Among the latest storm-related deaths discovered are “multiple” unidentified bodies.
“If you have a loved one that you know is missing, please call your local police department,” Poloncarz tweeted.
At least 60 deaths related to the storm have been reported across the United States with deaths in more than eight states.
The Erie County Department of Health’s medical examiner confirmed that at least 17 people were found dead outside. Of those, four suffered cardiac events while moving snow and four were inside vehicles. Nine were in a home with no heat and at least three deaths have been attributed to delayed medical services.
Twenty-nine of the deaths in Erie County were in its largest city, Buffalo. Seven were in Buffalo suburbs and one was in a location which has not been specified.
A travel ban remains in effect in Buffalo, Erie County’s largest city, while crews continue to clean up after the storm brought more than 50 inches of snow.
The city brought in about 100 National Guard troops and state troopers to control traffic while contractors and county workers tried to clear the roads.
“We still have unnecessary travel and it is a dangerous situation,” said county commissioner Bill Geary during a press conference on Wednesday morning.
There are about 62 customers still without power in Erie County. Power is expected to be restored to all customers on Wednesday night.
Poloncarz urged anyone who was without power for more than 72 hours to seek reimbursement from their energy provider for any spoiled food or prescription medications per state law. Claims must be submitted within 14 days of the power outage.
Restaurant owners: if you lost power & food entered the Danger Zone of over 45 / under 140 degrees for longer than 4 hours, it MUST be thrown out. When in doubt, throw it out. Small businesses ARE eligible for utility credit reimbursement for spoiled food. https://t.co/ziQZoxrlCk pic.twitter.com/lPoZYwKSl6— Erie County, NY (@ErieCountyNY) December 28, 2022
The National Guard will be knocking on doors to do wellness checks in neighborhoods that were without power.
“We are fearful that there are individuals who may have perished living alone or people who were not doing well in an establishment, especially those that still don’t have power,” Poloncarz said.
Temperatures rose above freezing Wednesday and are expected to reach 40 degrees or higher through Monday.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.