Over the past day, over 1.2 meters of snow has fallen over the city of Buffalo - in one of the most affected areas in the United States.
At least 28 people have lost their lives trapped in houses and cars, but now the situation is expected to become even more critical.
More snow is expected to fall and the authorities warn that many motorists continue to defy the current driving ban.
- Far too many people ignore the ban, says Mark Poloncarz, chairman of the council in Erie County, at a conference where it has been announced that the police will now use the help of the military, AP reports.
In order for the police to be able to prioritize searching for residents in distress, the state - and the police military must now be deployed to stop motorists and the risk of more traffic accidents.
Heavily stressed emergency personnel
While extensive work is underway to plow roads, restore power and search for residents in distress, an overburdened emergency service warns that more people will choose to take to the streets as roads begin to reopen.
The risk is that the rescue personnel will not be there in time.
- I have a bad feeling about this.
I think the death toll will rise.
When you have 420 emergency calls that you couldn't handle, it turns your stomach, says John Garcia, chief of police in Erie County, according to TT.
Authorities have also prepared thousands of food parcels waiting to be distributed to the needy and people who cannot get to food stores.