As Christmas Day is done and dusted, people around the world are busy sharing their celebration and holiday photos. However, the United States of America is facing a white storm for two days and as a result, Americans are forced to stay at their home. For the unversed, a brutal winter storm or let's say blizzard brought Christmas Day danger and misery to millions of Americans on Sunday as intense snow and frigid cold gripped parts of the eastern United States, with weather-related deaths rising to at least 34. However, reports suggest that the death toll may increase.
Christmas day US Blizzard
As per US media reports, at least 34 people have died in the United States from the winter storm, which has caused tens of thousands of homes and businesses to lose power. Reportedly, the most severe blizzard was reported in western New York's Buffalo. In fact, the deadly winter storm cut off the city and prevented emergency personnel from getting to high-impact neighbourhoods. Eight-foot snow drifts and power outages created dangerous circumstances in Buffalo. In the notoriously-snowy Buffalo region, officials were quoted by US media who recounted unusually hazardous conditions, including hours-long whiteouts and bodies found in cars and behind snow banks as rescuers tried to find the people who needed help.
In fact, it has also been reported that this is the worst winter storm to hit the greater Buffalo area since a devastating blizzard in 1977, which went on for four days and claimed nearly 30 lives, was described by New York Governor Kathy Hochul as 'epic, once-in-a-lifetime'. Talking about Christmas Day 2022, more than 2,00,000 people in various eastern states awoke without electricity, and many more had their travel plans for the holiday disrupted, even though the five-day storm that brought blizzard conditions and fierce winds were beginning to abate. It is pertinent to mention here that nearly 1.7 million consumers were without energy in the freezing weather on December 24 at one time.
As of now, driving is still prohibited across all of Erie County, where the lakeside city is situated, and Buffalo Niagara International Airport is still blocked until December 27. Some people were not anticipated to get electricity back until December 27 due to frozen electric substations; one frozen substation was reportedly buried under 18 feet of snow.
Americans share their bone-chilling experience
As the Christmas celebrations did not go as planned, Americans took to their Twitter handle and shared their experience.
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"After 54 hours without power, it just came back on. We still have a giant spruce street that fell over blocking our garage but we're counting our blessings. So thankful for neighbors who warmed us and helped us clear snow. We will never forget the Christmas blizzard 2022," a user wrote.
After 54 hours without power, it just came back on. We still have a giant spruce street that fell over blocking our garage but we're counting our blessings. So thankful for neighbors who warmed us and helped us clear snow. We will never forget the Christmas blizzard 2022. pic.twitter.com/RyKkATljA8
— Stephen T Watson (@buffaloscribe) December 25, 2022
"Guess I'm staying at my friend's place for Christmas. I love Blizzards Will I spot any cold blue eyes in the woods across from us," added another user.
Guess I'm staying at my friend's place for Christmas. I love Blizzards ā Will I spot any cold blue eyes in the woods across from us š pic.twitter.com/6SgApUxkY4
— Art of Ice and Fire (@ArtofASOIAF) December 23, 2022
Another user wrote, "Our almost 12 year old GSD struggling to climb the stairs because he is so housebroken and there is a blizzard and elevators are out of commission. I am so proud of this dog who has put up with us through so much! "
Our almost 12 year old GSD struggling to climb the stairs because he is so housebroken and there is a blizzard and elevators are out of commission. I am so proud of this dog who has put up with us through so much! #StaysafeBuffalo #DogsofTwittter #gobillsā¤ļøšš @news4buffalo pic.twitter.com/xoehSU0Zo9
— Shipra Goel (@ShipraGoelMD) December 24, 2022