NEW YORK - A brutal winter storm that brought Christmas chaos to millions of Americans will be slow to dissipate, the US National Weather Service said.
Intense snow and frigid cold caused power outages, travel delays and at least 32 deaths across the eastern part of the country.
Thirty-two weather-related deaths have been confirmed across nine states, including at least 13 in Erie County where Buffalo is located, with officials warning the number is sure to rise.
READ: 22 dead as savage US blizzard cuts power, snarls travel
"Much of the eastern United States will remain in a deep freeze through Monday before a moderating trend sets in on Tuesday," the NWS said in its latest advisory.
In Buffalo, western New York, a blizzard left the city marooned, with emergency services unable to reach the worst-hit areas.
"It is (like) going to a war zone, and the vehicles along the sides of the roads are shocking," said New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a native Buffalo, where 2.4m snow drifts and power outages made for life-threatening conditions.
Hochul told reporters Sunday evening that residents were still in the throes of a "very dangerous life-threatening situation" and warned anyone in the area to remain indoors.
More than 200,000 people across several eastern states woke up without power on Christmas morning and many more had their holiday travel plans upended, although the five-day-long storm featuring blizzard conditions and ferocious winds showed signs of easing.
The fierce winter conditions are also taking a toll in Canada.
A weekend bus rollover in British Columbia that was believed to be caused by icy roads left four people dead and sent 53 to the hospital, including two still in critical condition early Sunday.
Hundreds of thousands were left without power in Ontario and Quebec, many flights were cancelled in major cities and train passenger service between Toronto and Ottawa was suspended.