Winter Storm Hits US, Death Toll Rises to at Least 55

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] A winter storm accompanied by extreme cold, heavy snow, and strong winds has hit the United States, causing ongoing casualties. In Erie County, Buffalo, New York State, where more than 1.25 meters of snow fell, 25 deaths have been confirmed, and at least 55 people nationwide have lost their lives due to the storm's aftermath.

According to NBC's own tally on the 26th (local time), the impact of the winter abnormal weather phenomenon called the "bomb cyclone" that struck the United States has been widespread, with at least 55 deaths reported as of that morning across 12 states including Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) announced that up to 9 inches of additional snow could fall in some areas by the 27th. Mark Poloncarz, the Erie County Executive of Buffalo, New York, where the most severe damage has been confirmed, said at a press conference that "this is the worst storm of our lifetime" and expressed concern that "it is not over yet. More fatalities may occur."

Earlier, in this area, approximately 500 drivers were stranded on the roads in the snowstorm from the 23rd to 24th due to heavy snowfall and strong winds. The chaos worsened as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars dispatched in response to citizens' rescue requests also became trapped in the snow. According to the NWS, the total snowfall at Buffalo Niagara International Airport reached 1.25 meters that morning. The Associated Press reported, "Bodies are being found in cars, homes, and snow piles near Buffalo. Some lost their lives while shoveling snow." New York Governor Kathy Hochul has requested a federal disaster declaration.

Additionally, in Ohio, where a 50-vehicle pileup occurred, 10 people died in various accidents. Homeless people who died from subzero cold were found in Colorado. In Missouri, Kansas, and Kentucky, six people lost their lives due to traffic collisions and other incidents, resulting in nationwide casualties related to the winter storm.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Flight cancellations due to heavy snow and ice continue. According to FlightAware, more than 2,000 flights were canceled as of noon that day. Cancellations and delays were concentrated in areas such as Denver, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Seattle, Baltimore, and Chicago. The NWS warned that such dangerous travel conditions could persist for several days. However, as the bomb cyclone weakens, the NWS added that temperatures are expected to gradually rise this week.

Local media have also reported numerous cases of people helping each other to overcome difficulties amid the ongoing damage. The New York Times (NYT) shared stories including a tow truck driver who rushed to help a woman stranded on a snow-covered road while trying to get her husband's insulin from the hospital, a Buffalo resident who rescued 14 people during the holiday weekend, and healthcare workers who posted their locations and contact information online. There was also a story about a dentist who, when nine Korean tourists trapped in the snow asked to borrow a shovel to free a car stuck in a ditch, readily invited them into his home, creating an unforgettable Christmas experience.