At least six feet of snow pounded Western New York on Tuesday, and two more feet is expected today, Nov. 19.
In Erie County, at least six deaths were confirmed Wednesday afternoon and another death has been confirmed in Genesee County. Television station WKBW reported County Executive Mark Poloncarz said three of those were from heart attacks, two while shoveling snow.
Another person was pinned by a car as he was was trying to push it out of snow.
An 81-year-old man went into cardiac arrest, and an ambulance was unable to reach him, according to WKBW.
In Genesee County, a 46-year-old man was found dead in a car buried in snow. Local officials were urging residents to check on their neighbors.
Storm Shield Meteorologist Jason Meyers said the forecast calls for two more feet of snow in that area today, and WKBW meteorologists said more will fall Thursday.
"Buffalo's average snowfall for the year is 96 inches," Meyers said. The area saw 72 inches Tuesday, he said.
"Lake snows usually begin mid-November, peak in December and then shut off by January, once the lakes have frozen," Meyers said.
Erie County remains under a state of emergency, with many communities under travel bans.
The state’s Department of Transportation brought to the area 160 snow plows and 350 workers to help cleanup efforts. The National Guard is also working in the area and more were expected to arrive today.
Four pieces of local county equipment were stuck in the snow, according to WKBW.
