2 Die from Heart Attacks While Shoveling Snow amid Winter Storm in Upstate New York

Mar. 15, 2025

Heavy snow falls in Lowville, N.Y., Thursday, Dec. 5.Photo:AP Photo/Cara Anna

AP Photo/Cara Anna

Two people died in upstate New York after an extreme winter storm impacted a large portion of the northeast.

Representatives from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

“Shoveling snow during cold weather can be extremely dangerous for some individuals, especially those with high blood pressure or have any type of cardiac history, even if controlled on medication," Erie County Department of Health, Dr. Gale Burstein,said in a news release.

A snowplow on rounds in Lowville, N.Y., on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. The region is cleaning up after feet of snow.AP Photo/Cara Anna

Burstein cautioned that activities like shoveling snow are taxing on the heart, specifically for those over the age of 50.

“When the snow is heavy because it is so wet, the combination of cold temperatures and the extra exertion to shovel snow can cause too much stress on the heart," she said. “In addition, walking on ice is extremely dangerous.”

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Snow squalls, defined as sudden bursts of large amounts of snow and intense winds, were responsible for the northeastern storm that has steadily continued since Thanksgiving weekend, according to theAssociated Press.

TheNational Weather Servicesaid that “hazardous weather conditions” will continue to impact the western New York area through the morning of Saturday, Dec. 7.

A bus travels on snow-covered roads in Lowville, N.Y., on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. More snow has been falling on areas that have received feet of it in recent days.AP Photo/Cara Anna

To further inform residents of the extreme conditions and to lessen injuries and fatalities, the Erie County Department of Senior Services offered a few tips to tackle the snowy and icy conditions – including warming up before shoveling, using a small shovel and shoveling in intervals.

“Safely increase your heart rate, and increase flexibility in the joints and muscles that you’ll be using,” their statement read. “Shoveling frequently, will help avoid having heavier loads to remove…only shovel for a maximum of 15-20 minutes at a time.”

source: people.com