The death toll from the snowstorm that hit Western New York has risen to 10 as more snow is expected to fall.
CNN on Friday reported that Erie County health commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein said that the two latest victims who are from Niagara and Erie counties are allegedly having some "mental health issues" but died after an "apparent exposure overnight."
"They both had chronic illnesses...They both had mental health issues, and were found outside either their home or a close friend's home. They had probably been there overnight," she was quoted as saying.
At least four of the casualties reportedly died due to some cardiac issues while shoveling snow. Richard Tobe, Erie County deputy executive, told CNN that one of them is a 60-year old man who had a heart attack while trying to move a snow plow. Erie County officials have also revealed that one of the fatalities was killed in a car accident.
Another fatality was identified as Jack Boyce, 56, employee, who died after collapsing while using a snow blower in Genesee County on Tuesday. Also added to the list is a 46-year-old man who was found lifeless in his car that has been buried in over 12 feet of snow in Alden.
It was also reported that the Garden Gate Health Care Facility in Cheektowaga may collapse after several feet of snow have fallen on its roof. There have been reports of wall cracks and sagging ceiling. Fortunately, no one has been injured and patients have already been evacuated.
Governor Andrew Cuomo had earlier visited some of the affected areas and declared a state of emergency. He also ordered the deployment of more plows, front end loaders, large snow blowers, and operators and supervisors in several areas. Some soldiers and humvees have also been deployed to help in the rescue and recovery efforts.
"Tremendous progress has been made in clearing vital roads, with help getting here yesterday and more help on the way...With that being said, phase two of the storm is on its way and safety continues to be our top priority. As snow removal efforts continue, we urge people to stay inside and off the roads so that we can get people back to their everyday routines as quickly as possible," Cuomo was quoted in a statement posted on the governor's website Thursday.
Also compromised is the scheduled game between the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets as the Ralph Wilson Stadium is buried in tons of snow. Buffalo Bills President Russ Brandon told CNN that he has yet to confirm when and where the game will take place.
To date, travel bans are still up in the towns of Elma, Alden, Lancaster, Marilla, Orchard Park, West Seneca, and in the cities of Lackawanna and Buffalo, all of which are in the Erie County. Travel bans are also in effect in the following areas in Genesee County: in the towns of Alexander, Le Roy, Bethany, Pavilion, Darien and Pembroke.
Over 300 people in New York still have no power as of Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, these roads are still closed: NYS Thruway (I-90) from Exit 46 near Rochester to Exit 61 in Ripley; I-290 from Exit 6 (Sheridan Drive) to the Thruway (I-90); I-190 Niagara Thruway from exit 1 (South Ogden Street, near Thruway mainline exit 53) to exit 16 (I-290, near South Grand Island Bridge); Route 219 south from I-90 in West Seneca to Route 39 in Springville; Route 219 north from Route 242 in Ellicottville to I-90 in West Seneca; Route 5 from Route 179 in the Village of Blasdell to I-190 in Buffalo; Route 400 N/S between I-90 to Olean Road; Ramp I-290 west to I-190 south in Erie County; NY Route 277 Union Road from Losson Rd to US Rte 20; Route 78 Transit Road from Como Park Blvd to Rehm Road in the Village of Depew; Walden Ave. from Genesee St. in the town of Alden to Route 277 in the Village of Depew; and Route 33 (Genesee Street) remains closed in both directions (EB/WB) between Walden Avenue and the Wyoming County Line in the Town of Alden, Erie County.