Soldiers of the New York National Guard are conducting door-to-door checks in parts of the Buffalo region to see how people are holding up – and if they’re still alive after days of punishing cold and snow that has already claimed over 30 lives since last week, the AP reports.
“We are fearful that there are individuals who may have perished, living alone, or people who are not doing well,” said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz of the sweeps which came as the weather finally began to ease in the area. Forecasts called for temperatures in the low 50s and even some rain later this week. Both will cause minor flooding, probably still preferable to 12 foot snowdrifts.