Many residents of western New York State, most of them in Buffalo, have been trapped in cars for more than two days,as winter storm continues to pound North America, a state official has disclosed.
This is as the storm stretching from Canada to the Mexican border has reportedly killed 56 people.
A BBC report said an estimated 250,000 homes and businesses experienced blackouts at the weekend – although power has been steadily restored.
It added that storm-related deaths were also reported in Vermont, Ohio, Missouri, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Colorado and that South Florida’s temperatures dropped so low, that iguanas froze and fell from trees.
“The western US state of Montana was the worst hit by the cold, with temperatures dropping to -50F (-45C).
“In Canada, the provinces of Ontario and Quebec bore the brunt of the storm”, the report said.
Meteorologists warn that up to nine more inches(23cm) of snow are expected through Tuesday.
Meantime, US President Joe Biden has approved an emergency declaration allowing federal support for New York State.
“My heart is with those who lost loved ones this holiday weekend,” he tweeted.
