Christmas Day blizzard claims 12 lives in New York state

STORY: Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said the storm’s confirmed death toll climbed to 12 on Christmas Day, up from three reported overnight in the Buffalo region. The latest victims included some found in cars and some in snow banks, Poloncarz said, adding that the death toll is expected to rise further.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul called it a “once-in-a-lifetime” weather disaster, adding U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration had agreed to support her request for a federal disaster declaration.

Officials said 16% of Buffalo residents had no electricity on Sunday, as white-out conditions persisted south of the city with snow falling at the rate of 2-3 inches (5-7 centimeters) an hour.