2 Deaths Reported as ‘Lake-Effect’ Snowstorm Paralyzes Western New York

Residents walk on the street during a snowstorm as extreme winter weather hits Buffalo, N.Y., on Nov. 18, 2022. Lindsay DeDario/Reuters

BUFFALO, N.Y.—An early winter “lake effect” storm dumped heavy snows on parts of western New York state on Friday, with at least two deaths reported, travel disrupted, and icy powder expected to pile higher through the weekend.

The squalls blowing in from Lake Erie and Lake Ontario had dumped 3 to 5 feet (1–1.5 meters) or more of snow. Authorities said the deaths appeared to be from heart attacks due to overexertion while clearing snow in hard-hit Erie County.