Joe Biden is sending federal aid to western New York state to help with cleanup after up to 6 feet of snow was dumped in the west and north.
Emergency declaration authorizes DHS and FEMA to coordinate relief efforts in 11 affected counties “Lake effect” snowstorms on Friday and Saturday.
The blizzard paralyzed parts of the state, canceled flights and forced some schools to close.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul thanked the President for the emergency assistance, adding: “My team and I will continue to work around the clock to keep everyone safe, help communities dig in and secure every last dollar to help rebuild and recover from this crisis. Unprecedented, record breaking historic winter storm.”
The National Weather Service recorded 77 inches (195 centimeters) of snow on Saturday at Orchard Park, home of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.
The storm forced the Bills to move Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns to Detroit.
More snow fell in some areas Sunday night, but that stopped early Monday.
While driving bans had been lifted in most storm-affected areas by Monday morning, schools in Buffalo and nearby towns remained closed.
Photo: Mark Mulville/The Buffalo News/AP
Photo: Mark Mulville/The Buffalo News/AP
The blizzard was the worst in New York state since November 2014, when some communities south of Buffalo were hit with 7 feet (2.1 meters) of snow over three days.
“Lake effect” snow forms when dry, frozen air absorbs moisture and heat as it moves along warm lake water, according to NOAA.
Cars buried as ‘lake effect’ snow hits New York
Read more from Sky News:
One person swept into river, hundreds at risk of flooding
Tornadoes hit Texas and Oklahoma, killing one
It causes some of the lake’s water to evaporate into the air, making it warmer and wetter.
As the air cools and moves away from the lake, it dumps all the moisture on the ground. When it’s cold enough, it can lead to heavy snowfall.