The two dead, according to the authorities, died of a heart attack while clearing snow in one of the most affected areas.
The huge amount of snow is caused by the so-called warm water effect. This weather phenomenon occurs when cold air passes over relatively warm water, says Buienradar meteorologist Leander de Wit. “This then creates clouds from which heavy snow and rain showers can arise.”
No travel options
According to various American media, it is almost impossible to travel in these conditions. Flights have been canceled and cars snowed in. There is almost no visibility and the authorities are advising residents to stay indoors. In some places there is even a travel ban in place.
A so-called storm chaser in the United States has traveled to the hardest hit areas. You can see his findings in the video below:
Western New York State was particularly affected by the snow. The mayor of Buffalo tells CNN that while his city is used to significant amounts of snow, this is more than usual.
The storm is expected to last at least through Sunday.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul told a press conference that she expects a record to be broken in her state. “Currently it’s 15 centimeters per hour. That could mean we can record the thickest snowpack ever recorded in one day.” The federal government has been asked to declare a state of emergency.
88 accidents
Hochul also said that in the city of Hamburg, south of Buffalo, the roof of a bowling alley partially caved in from the snow load. As far as is known, there were no casualties. Many residents of the region have responded to calls to stay at home.
Nonetheless, 88 car accidents have been reported in the hardest-hit region and 280 people have been rescued so far by the rescue services.
