'One For The Ages' Blizzard's Death Toll Rises To 27 In Western NY: Reports

BUFFALO, NY — The Buffalo-area blizzard's death toll rose to 27 in western New York, more than half of the number nationwide, authorities said on Monday, The Associated Press reported.

The people were found in cars, homes, and at the side of the road in snowbanks — some apparently dying while shoveling snow, others when first responders could not get to them in time to address medical emergencies, the outlet.

A 27-year-old man in Niagara County was found dead inside his home after an external furnace was blocked by heavy snow, causing carbon monoxide to get inside the home, The New York Times reported.

In a tour of Buffalo, Gov. Kathy Hochul said the community is grieving for the families who are receiving the "horrible, heartbreaking news" of their loved one's death.

"Our hearts are breaking for them," she said.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown credited members of the city's police department and first responders who have been retrieving the dead, noting that they are human and, "it's not an easy thing to do."

Hochul said the state is working with local and federal partners to clean the roadways and assist people, but she urged residents in the region to stay inside.

In her tour, she saw "scores and scores" of abandoned vehicles stuck in the snow.

She said that the thruway will remain closed until further notices, as well as routes 190, 400, 219, and 5.