We Now Know How Tragic Deaths Happened In Buffalo NY Blizzard

The blizzard caused by winter storm Elliott has sadly become very deadly here in Western New York. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz has released some of the causes of the deaths. In Erie County, the death toll has risen to 27. This evening, Monday, December 26, 2022, Poloncarz tweeted,

Very sadly, the @ECDOH Medical Examiner has confirmed another 2 deaths from the Blizzard. Total deaths are now 27. Of these:
- 3 were from an EMS Delay;
- 14 were found outside;
- 3 were from shoveling/blowing cardiac events;
- 4 were from no heat; &
- 3 were in a vehicle.

The people who have died in Erie County are between the ages of 22 and 93. It's heartbreaking that those people lost their lives and that their families will have to endure this tragedy every Christmas. Looking at the causes of death reminds us just how deadly snow and cold can be. Many people outside of WNY and New York State joke about snowstorms, but they are nothing to play with. Elliott brought extreme cold, strong winds, icy conditions, and feet of snow to the area.

In addition to the deaths in Erie County, a man died in Niagara County. In Niagara County, a Lockport man died from carbon monoxide poisoning. With heavy snow accumulation, it's imperative to clear the outside furnace vent of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Winter storm Elliott took a toll on Buffalo and WNY, but it also caused destruction and death around the county. Nationwide, more than 50 people died due to the storm.