Four Dead in Massive Snowstorm in New York State

Washington: A massive early snowstorm pounded the Buffalo, New York, area on Tuesday, dumping record snowfalls, trapping people in cars and homes, and killing four people, authorities said.

Even in a city famous for blizzards that roar off Lake Erie just to the west, this one stunned locals who usually see storms like this which even featured the unusual phenomenon of "thunder snow".

Many areas south of the city near Niagara Falls were socked with up to four and five feet (over 1.5 meters) in less than 24 hours.

"Some parts of our county are going to receive a years worth of snowfall in three days," Erie county executive Mark Poloncarz told local media adding that three people have died from apparent heart attacks while shoveling snow, and another while pushing a trapped car.

With a driving ban in effect, local media reported at least one person was trapped after a roof collapsed into a home.

Officials also urged older residents not to try to shovel the heavy white stuff.

The National Guard has been called out to assist, Governor Andrew Cuomo said.