NEW YORK (Reuters) - Snow-bound residents of western New York awoke to as much as another foot of accumulation on Thursday with possibly another 30 inches expected, meteorologists said.
At least eight deaths were blamed on the wintry blast, officials said.
The snow is forecast to continue through midday Friday, the National Weather Service said on its website. Temperatures were likely to remain below freezing.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Hoping to clear its snow-filled stadium in time for a game on Sunday, the Buffalo Bills were offering $10 an hour plus game tickets to people willing to shovel. The football team said on its website that 220,000 tons of snow needs to be removed and that the removal would be a round-the-clock effort.
As much as a foot dropped overnight in Erie County, which includes the city of Buffalo on Lake Erie, the weather service said.
"An additional 30 inches or more could fall in some locations, on top of the impressive amounts that have fallen already," the weather service wrote on its website.
Roof collapses pose a threat, especially at mobile home parks, said Richard Tobe, Erie County Deputy Executive, at an early morning news conference.
"With this heavy snow load now, there are buildings that are in danger," he said. One roof collapsed in Buffalo on Wednesday but caused no injuries, he said.
Tobe advised residents to stay home, observe the driving bans and "be smart."
"It's a very dangerous storm," he said. "One more day. Let's get through this snow."
The onslaught began on Tuesday when a freakish storm swept off the Great Lakes and deposited as much as 5 feet (1.5 meters) in the area. Snow kept falling on Wednesday into Thursday.
Of the eight deaths linked to the weather, the most recent was a man in his 60s who suffered a fatal heart ailment as he was using a snowblower, officials said.
Earlier deaths included a 46-year-old man was found in his car buried under about 15 feet of snow. Another died in a traffic accident and four people died from heart problems. There were no details available about the eighth death.
States of emergency are in effect for 10 New York counties and driving was banned on many roads. Some 140 miles of the New York State Thruway along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario were closed.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport was open but many flights were delayed or canceled.
(Reporting by Karen Brooks and Ellen Wulfhorst Writing by Ellen Wulfhorst; Editing by Bill Trott)
