US winter storm hell: Buffalo blizzard 'worst in history' as residents struggle to dig out their cars

AMERICA has been battered by the deadliest storm in at least two generations as residents continue to struggle against the extreme weather.

A huge bomb cyclone has already killed at least 65 people with Buffalo, New York state worst hit by unprecedented blizzards and Arctic temperatures.

Emergency services are continuing to locate and rescue vehicles left under enormous heaps of snow and drifts several feet high.

Buffalo carnage: Residents are being urged not to drive in the appalling conditions
JASON MURAWSKI JR

Officials have confirmed that 32 people have died in counties Erie and Niagara as a result of the storm.

Erie County Executive Mark Polocarz said that some of those dead were found frozen in cars or died following a medical emergency such as cardiac arrest as they were shovelling snow.

He said: "Please, please, do not drive in the city of Buffalo, unless you are emergency personnel.

"We're recovering from the worst storm I've ever seen, certainly in terms of death from mother nature's wrath.”

The County Executive added that "too many people" have been ignoring a driving ban that is currently in place.

Around 100 military police from the state National Guard alongside officers from New York City have been called in to manage traffic and enforce road restrictions.

Up to 52 inches of snow has fallen over the last four days with rainfall expected later this week which could cause flooding.

Storm: The US bomb cyclone has caused destruction across the Buffalo county
LINDSAY DEDARIO

It is estimated that it would take two days to open one lane in every city street according to Mr Poloncarz.

He added that around 4,500 customers were also without electricity on Tuesday as President Joe Biden announced federal support to help those left without power.

Southwest Airlines, who are based in Dallas, Texas have cancelled more than 12,000 flights since Friday following the difficult conditions.