BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) "Erie County has access to snowmobiles and can request them, as needed, but I think we're forgetting the fact that no one could go out [in the height of the storm]. I don't care how experienced a snowmobile driver you are," said County Emergency Services Commissioner Dan Neaverth, Jr. on WBEN Tuesday.
Neaverth responding to criticism that the county does not have more agile vehicles(snowmobiles, etc) that can be deployed up and down streets when conditions warrant.
The criticism coming in the wake of a rising death toll during the storm. As of Tuesday morning, the death toll rose to 35 in Erie and Niagara counties after Mayor Byron Brown announced seven new deaths, bringing the city death toll to 27.
"We had experienced individuals that tried to go out and assist where ever they could, but until those winds died down, which was well beyond Friday and certainly beyond Saturday, it was just impossible," added Neaverth.
Had it been a more traditional lake effect snow, without the 70+ mile per hour winds, Neaverth said snowmobiles would have been more effective.
"Despite valiant efforts on the part of a lot of first responders, there was a period where everybody had to hunker down and ride out the storm."
Mayor Byron Brown said the city did deploy snowmobiles to assist with rescues during the storm.
"We did get help from the Southtowns Snowmobile Club. They came into the city and provided assistance. Also, the National Guard, and New York State Police provided additional snowmobiles. We have some assets from the city of Rochester. We thank them for sending personnel and equipment as Buffalo was ground zero for the storm."
Brown said the city does have some snowmobiles, but acknowledged not enough for blizzard conditions.
"We have used snowmobiles. They have been helpful, but for blizzard conditions, no municipality would have enough snowmobiles to address all of the needs that come up in these kinds of conditions," added Mayor Brown.
