President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration for parts of New York Monday as the state faces and epic winter storm that has taken the lives of at least 28 people.

The declaration applies to Erie and Genesee counties, allowing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources to assist.

Biden issues emergency declaration in western New York as winter storm death toll hits 28 https://t.co/qY1MyHdudm pic.twitter.com/zraxSzHvcQ

— The Hill (@thehill) December 27, 2022

The announcement

“The President shared that his and the First Lady’s prayers are with the people of New York and all those who lost loved ones. He expressed his gratitude to the Governor for her leadership and to the National Guard, law enforcement, and first responders for their tireless work,” the White House said in a statement.

"The death toll from the storm in New York hit 28 on Monday, according to The Associated Press, representing roughly half of the total fatalities attributed to the Christmas weekend storm that swept across the country," The Hill reported.

President Biden spoke by phone with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday and offered federal assistance as New York deals with a massive winter storm that has claimed more than two dozen lives.https://t.co/Di4b0D1qsd

— KGET 17 News (@KGETnews) December 27, 2022

The deaths

Many of the deaths occurred in the Buffalo area where the weather has been the most severe.

“I am sad to announce that our City has lost at least 20 members of our community due to the winter storm. Everyone please continue to be safe,” Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown tweeted on Monday.

Eighteen storm-related deaths were confirmed over the weekend across Erie and Niagara counties," KGET reported.

I am sad to announce that our City has lost at least 20 members of our community due to the winter storm. Everyone please continue to be safe.

— Byron W. Brown (@MayorByronBrown) December 26, 2022

Up to four feet of snow fell in some parts of the state, with some people stranded in their vehicles for up to two days.

The state has deployed over 400 Nationa Guard members to assist the western part of the state, directing residents to stay off the roads while emergency crews work.

Nationwide, more than 50 people have died in 12 states as the nation's worst storm of the year hit over the holiday weekend.

The snow has now largely passed, leaving many across the nation digging out after the deadly Christmas weekend storm.