US braces for more deaths as ‘blizzard of the century’ grips nation

Rescue crews struggle to reach stranded residents in Buffalo, New York, where dozens have been killed in winter storms

Emergency crews in New York were scrambling to rescue marooned residents from what authorities called the blizzard of the century," a relentless storm that has left 27 dead in the state and taken at least 60 lives nationwide, according to an NBC News tally.

In New York state, authorities have described ferocious conditions, particularly in Buffalo, with hours-long whiteouts, bodies being discovered in vehicles and under snow banks, and emergency personnel going car to car" searching for more motorists, alive or dead.