An extreme Arctic freeze that continues to batter the US and Canada is now known to have caused at least 38 deaths.
The worst-affected region was the city of Buffalo in New York state, according to officials, who report that 34 people perished across the US.
In Canada, four people lost their lives when a bus overturned on an ice road close to Merritt, in the western province of British Columbia.
The size of the winter storm, which has spread from Canada as far south as the Rio Grande, is unprecedented.
Meanwhile, forecasters predict that the storm will subside over the next days, but they still advise against traveling unless absolutely necessary.
The hurricane has caused destruction for days, but after initial blackouts, power has been gradually restored.
Moreover, the Associated Press reported that as of Sunday afternoon EDT, fewer than 200,000 customers remained without power, down from a peak of 1.7 million.
Also, the cancellation of thousands of flights has prevented many people from visiting their families for Christmas.
In light of this, Travel across the US has been hampered by the “bomb cyclone” winter storm, which happens when atmospheric pressure drops and produces strong winds and heavy snowfall.
To that effect, Buffalo resident and governor of New York State Kathy Hochul declared: “This will go down in history as Buffalo’s most disastrous storm.”
She told reporters on Sunday night: “It is [like] going to a war zone and the vehicles by the sides of the highways are awful.”
In light of this, she warned that the situation was still “extremely dangerous and life-threatening” and advised everyone in the vicinity to stay inside.
In Erie County, twelve deaths were officially reported; several of the victims were discovered dead in cars or snow banks.
Additionally, Vermont, Ohio, Missouri, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Colorado all recorded storm-related fatalities.
Conclusion
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