The blizzard ended Christmas morning, but the emergency was far from over. With first responders in Buffalo and the Northtowns finally able to start maneuvering, the devastation from the fierce winter storm that battered the region with gale force winds, lake-effect snow and bitter subfreezing temperatures was coming to light. Sister says Buffalo man died in the blizzard on his 56th birthday On Day 3 of the storm, desperation was growing. At least 17 people were dead, and authorities said there was no question that the death toll would increase.