|
 Some areas of New York state along the Great Lakes had around 2
feet (60 cm) of new snow on Thursday on top of accumulations as deep
as 5 feet from earlier in the week.
The National Weather Service said parts of the region could expect 3
feet more snow before skies clear on Friday.
At least 10 deaths in the area have been blamed on the storm, Erie
County officials said.
"I've been in a lot of snowstorms, and this is by far the worst.
There's been more snow in the shortest period of time I've ever
seen," said Chuck Specht, 58, who reported 7 feet of snow at his
house in Marilla, New York.
Specht was trying unsuccessfully to clear a patch in the snow for
the family dog to relieve itself.
"Even for seasoned veterans, this is getting to be a bit much to
handle," he said.
 Erie County Deputy Executive Richard Tobe said roof collapses posed
a threat, especially at mobile home parks.
"With this heavy snow load now, there are buildings that are in
danger," he said.
States of emergency are in effect for 10 counties, driving was
banned on many roads and 140 miles (225 km) of the New York State
Thruway were closed.
The Buffalo Bills will not play their home game against the New York
Jets on Sunday because of public safety concerns, the National
Football League said. The NFL said it was in the process of
rescheduling and relocating the game.
[to top of second column] |
The Bills had earlier offered to pay $10 an hour plus game tickets
to people willing to shovel what it said were 220,000 tons of snow
in its stadium.
The National Hockey League postponed the Buffalo Sabres' home game
against the New York Rangers on Friday night "due to the continuing
weather-related difficulties in the Greater Buffalo area and out of
respect for the fans of the Sabres."
Nearly 5 feet of snow have left Tom Irwin, 68, and his family
housebound since Monday in Derby, New York, near Buffalo.
"We decided to make the most of it. We put the Christmas tree up,"
he said. "It's certainly the worst storm we've experienced, and
we've been here just under 30 years."
(Editing by Alison Williams)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
