US President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for western New York as the state deals with a massive winter storm that has claimed more than two dozen lives.
Biden issued the emergency declaration for Erie and Genesee counties, freeing up federal resources and directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts.
The nationwide death toll from the storm climbed to 49 on Monday, with 27 of those deaths in Erie County in New York.
The President had spoken with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul earlier in the day and offered to fully support the state as it responds to the storm, the White House said in a readout of the call.
Hochul, who had declared a state of emergency in New York last Thursday ahead of the storm, said Biden agreed to "swiftly approve" the states request for a federal declaration, calling it "crucial to assist our recovery efforts from this historic storm."
As much as 49 inches of snow have been reported in some areas of western New York as of Monday afternoon, with local authorities warning of more on the way.
