BUFFALO, N.Y. — Two men have died of cardiac events while shoveling during the lake effect snow storm.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz made that announcement during his 3 p.m. Friday news conference.
They died "as a result of exertion, having cardiac events associated with snow shoveling and snow blowing. I do want to offer my deepest condolences to their families at this very sad time," Poloncarz said.
Poloncarz said the wet, heavy snow was making it difficult for people to remove snow from their driveways and sidewalks.
Erie County health commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein shared her concerns about people having cardiac events and other health issues while clearing out snow. She also advised people to stay safe when using generators and other equipment.
"It can be very, very dangerous for some individuals — people who have high blood pressure, people who have any type of cardiac history — to go out and shovel the snow," Dr. Burstein said.
"Especially right now, when the snow is so heavy because it's so wet, the combination of the cold weather and the extra exertion of the force that you're using to try and shovel the snow, it can be too much for your heart," she said.