Storm Elliott wreaks havoc in the U.S.: at least 32 people lost their lives, many Americans spend Christmas without power

Winter storm Elliott has killed at least 32 people in the United States, several American media reported Sunday. The death toll continues to rise.

 

The television channel NBC mentions at least 41 deaths according to its own count, while ABC counts at least 39. Emergency services and authorities are expecting more victims. The United States is facing since Wednesday night a "historic winter storm", according to the U.S. Weather Service (NWS). This one paralyzed the air traffic and made the road traffic exceptionally difficult. In several regions, the mercury has suddenly fallen below 0 ° C and the temperature felt has reached up to -48 ° C in places. Hundreds of thousands of homes were without power and in many cities, residents were advised to stay indoors as travel was extremely dangerous.

 

The city of Buffalo, in upstate New York, was particularly hard hit. Heavy snowfall and hurricane-force wind gusts hit the area. Many people are stranded in their homes and cars, while police and firefighters are helplessly watching.