AFP extension
ANNOUNCEMENTS•
Some parts of the US are still experiencing extreme winter weather conditions. At least 18 people died. About 2 million people across the country are without electricity. Many fatalities are due to road accidents.
Much of the US is experiencing the coldest Christmas Eve in decades. Temperatures have dropped below zero even in southern towns that are not used to winter weather. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are expected to experience the coldest Christmas Eve on record.
A frigid air is moving across the country, especially in western New York, still struggling with low temperatures and power outages. Residents are trapped in their homes and many motorists are stranded. Aid workers are often unable to reach large parts of the area.
Buffalo in particular is having a tough time. The storm is the strongest in decades. Wind speeds of 110 kilometers per hour are measured. There was more than six feet of snow against houses in many places on Saturday afternoon (local time). The cars are buried under a white blanket.
Local authorities have warned that conditions remain dangerous. The power was out in many places. In some places, residents leave their homes in search of somewhere warm.
New York state governor says Buffalo airport is closed until Monday morning. Almost all fire trucks in the city are stuck in the snow. “No matter how many emergency vehicles we have, they can’t mean anything under the current circumstances,” the governor said. The snowfall and strong winds are expected to continue into Sunday night.
Hundreds of thousands of Canadian residents will also be without electricity on Saturday. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled. There is an emergency weather alert in every province of the country.
Reuters
