Western NY death toll rises to 27 from cold, storm chaos

Snow blankets Cheektowaga, N.Y where millions of people hunkered down against a deep freeze Sunday morning to ride out the frigid storm that has killed at least 24 people. [AP Photo]

The death toll from a Buffalo-area blizzard rose to 27 in western New York, authorities said Monday as the region reeled from one of the worst weather-related disasters in its history. Much of the rest of the United States was hit by ferocious winter conditions.

The dead around Buffalo were found in their cars, homes and in snowbanks. Some died while shoveling snow. The storm that walloped much of the country is now blamed for at least 49 deaths nationwide, with rescue and recovery efforts continuing Monday.