In the United States, at least 68 people were killed by the snowstorm during Christmas. The northeast was particularly hard hit. Kathy Hochul (64), governor of New York, compares the situation in the city of Buffalo to a ‘war zone’. The armed forces expect the death toll to continue to rise.
Despite a brief travel ban, many people were outside last Friday as the blizzard raged across the region. Motorists lost their orientation in the dense snow vortex. Some were completely snowed in. In Cheektowaga, a suburb of Buffalo, about 25 motorists had to seek refuge in a supermarket. Since the storm didn’t let up, they had to hold out there for two days – Christmas of all days.
Target pays costs
Those affected have posted numerous photos of the situation in the supermarket on social media. The photos show people sleeping on air mattresses between clothing racks. Kids locked in the store play Uno and read books to keep themselves busy. Jessica Sypniewski, 33, who stayed at the Target discount store with her two kids and her boyfriend, wrote on Facebook, “I’ve never been so scared in my life, but we’re safe and warm.”
As the New York Post reports, Target pays for all goods used by the stranded during their involuntary stay at the store. “I can’t thank the Target employees enough for opening their doors to us and providing us with everything we needed – you guys are literally lifesavers,” Sypniewski writes after the adventure is over.
Fatal blackout, carbon monoxide poisoning
Other Buffalo residents were less fortunate. Carolyn E.* († 63) was dependent on an oxygen device when the power went out in her house. The rescuers were unable to respond to emergency calls, her son told a local newspaper. The woman did not survive the power outage. “She fell into my arms and didn’t say a single word from that moment on.”
Timothy M.* († 27) died when snow covered the vent of his stove and poisonous carbon monoxide entered the house. Nurse Anndel T. († 22) was caught in the winter storm on her way home from work and locked in her car. Her body was found 18 hours later. Carbon monoxide poisoning is also suspected to be the cause of death.
Local authorities say they prepared, but the weather was exceptional, even for a region known for severe winter storms. Buffalo Democratic mayor Byron Brown, 64, said: “The city did everything it could in historic blizzard conditions.” Given the now rising temperatures, the authorities warned of a thaw on Wednesday. As temperatures rise, snow is expected to melt and flooding is possible. (no)
* Names known