Abandoned vehicles in the streets of Buffalo, New York, during the US's 'blizzard of the century'. AFP
Abandoned vehicles in the streets of Buffalo, New York, during the US's 'blizzard of the century'. AFP
Dangerous driving conditions caused many drivers to abandon their vehicles. AFP
Dangerous driving conditions caused many drivers to abandon their vehicles. AFP
Buffalo faced the brunt of damage from a winter storm that stretched across vast swathes of the US over the Christmas weekend. AFP
Buffalo faced the brunt of damage from a winter storm that stretched across vast swathes of the US over the Christmas weekend. AFP
Snow blankets the city in this aerial drone photograph in Buffalo, New York, on December 25, 2022. - US emergency crews counted the grim costs of a colossal winter storm that brought Christmas chaos to millions, especially in hard-hit western New York, where the death toll reached 25 Monday in what authorities described as a "war with mother nature. " (Photo by Joed Viera / AFP)
Snow blankets the city in this aerial drone photograph in Buffalo, New York, on December 25, 2022. - US emergency crews counted the grim costs of a colossal winter storm that brought Christmas chaos to millions, especially in hard-hit western New York, where the death toll reached 25 Monday in what authorities described as a "war with mother nature. " (Photo by Joed Viera / AFP)
An aerial view of the white-out. Reuters
An aerial view of the white-out. Reuters
There were driving bans as heavy snow blanketed parts of Erie County in New York. Reuters
There were driving bans as heavy snow blanketed parts of Erie County in New York. Reuters
At least 27 people in Buffalo were confirmed to have died as a result of the winter storm. Reuters
At least 27 people in Buffalo were confirmed to have died as a result of the winter storm. Reuters
The cold weather has killed dozens of people. Reuters
The cold weather has killed dozens of people. Reuters
A New York State trooper pulls over a vehicle in Buffalo. AFP
A New York State trooper pulls over a vehicle in Buffalo. AFP
Vehicles make their way along a snow-covered street. AFP
Vehicles make their way along a snow-covered street. AFP
A utility worker straps a rope to a truck in an attempt to tow it out of a snowdrift. AFP
A utility worker straps a rope to a truck in an attempt to tow it out of a snowdrift. AFP
A resident leaves one of a few corner stores in Buffalo, New York, that managed to open. AFP
A resident leaves one of a few corner stores in Buffalo, New York, that managed to open. AFP
National Grid technicians work to restore power in a part of Buffalo. AFP
National Grid technicians work to restore power in a part of Buffalo. AFP
Workers attempt to repair a water line. AFP
Workers attempt to repair a water line. AFP
An excavator is used to repair a water main. AFP
An excavator is used to repair a water main. AFP
A National Guard patrol in snowbound Buffalo. AFP
A National Guard patrol in snowbound Buffalo. AFP
Emergency crews in Buffalo were inundated with calls. EPA
Emergency crews in Buffalo were inundated with calls. EPA
First responders on snowmobiles check on abandoned vehicles. AFP
First responders on snowmobiles check on abandoned vehicles. AFP
Vehicles were abandoned on roads throughout New York state. AFP
Vehicles were abandoned on roads throughout New York state. AFP
A man attempts to clear his roof of snow. AFP
A man attempts to clear his roof of snow. AFP
A vehicle abandoned on a residential street in Buffalo. AFP
A vehicle abandoned on a residential street in Buffalo. AFP
Neighbours gather around a fire after clearing snow. AP
Neighbours gather around a fire after clearing snow. AP
The historic winter storm killed at least 27 people in Buffalo and left thousands in the city without power. AFP
The historic winter storm killed at least 27 people in Buffalo and left thousands in the city without power. AFP
Utility company vehicles line up in Buffalo. The Buffalo News / AP
Utility company vehicles line up in Buffalo. The Buffalo News / AP
Neighbours push a motorist stuck in the snow. The Buffalo News / AP
Neighbours push a motorist stuck in the snow. The Buffalo News / AP

World

US

'Blizzard of the century' continues punishing New York

Winter storm claims nearly 50 lives as President Joe Biden approves emergency declaration

The National

December 27, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

US President Joe Biden approved a state of emergency for New York as search-and-rescue operations continued in the state following a major snowstorm.

The storm has left nearly 50 people dead, including 28 in the state of New York.

Buffalo, a city close to the border with Canada, faced particularly ferocious conditions throughout the weekend.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said some areas in the western part of the state had received up to one metre of snowfall overnight.

And an additional 23cm of snow were expected to fall in western New York on Tuesday, the National Weather Service said, as workers continued to dig out snowfall that has blanketed the region.

Ms Hochul said more than 550 rescues have been conducted since the storm began.

Erie County executive Mark Poloncarz on Tuesday morning said the entire county remains under a state of emergency and that driving bans are still in place for Buffalo and Lackawanna.

Rising temperatures are forecasted for later in the week, though that could bring some flooding to the region.

About 1.7 million people were without power in the frigid conditions but that number had been greatly reduced by Tuesday morning.

Ms Hochul warned residents to stay off the roads.

“The storm is weakening, but we are not out of the woods yet,” she said.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport will remain closed through Wednesday morning, at one point accumulating up to 1.25 metres of snowfall.

Ms Hochul announced on Monday night that the White House had authorised her request for a federal emergency declaration, which authorises agencies to provide assistance to New York.

The White House said Mr Biden had directed his administration to immediately respond to Ms Hochul's requests for federal assistance.

Mr Biden also “shared that his and the first lady's prayers are with the people of New York and all those who lost loved ones”, the White House said in a readout of his call with Ms Hochul.

Mr Poloncarz tweeted that Erie County had 27 confirmed storm-related deaths, including 14 people who were found outside.

The winter storm brought below-freezing temperatures across the entire US mainland at the weekend.

“It is the blizzard of the century,” Ms Hochul said during a news conference.

And parts of the US were expected to face another storm this week.

Some western US states were expected to experience high winds, heavy rain and snow, while Utah and Wyoming were forecast to experience at least one winter weather system into Tuesday evening.

Colorado is also likely to close the year with heavy snowfall.

The storm, which brought misery to thousands of American passengers before the holidays, continued to disrupt travel after Christmas Day.

About 2,900 flights were cancelled in the US on Tuesday, data from FlightAware showed.

Southwest Airlines was forced to cancel more than 2,500 — or 62 per cent — of its flights.

Its US competitors — American, United, Delta and JetBlue — in contrast experienced cancellation rates between 0 and 2 per cent on Tuesday.

The discrepancy of cancellation rates between Southwest and its competitors prompted scrutiny from the US Department of Transportation.

The agency expressed its concern over the airline's “unacceptable rate of cancellations and delays”, and added that it was investigating whether the airline was providing support to stranded customers.

Southwest said “continuing challenges” from the winter storm are affecting its customers and employees “in a significant way that is unacceptable”.

“We recognise falling short and sincerely apologise,” Southwest said in a statement.

Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Tomorrow 2021
Read more about the coronavirus
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

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SPECS

Nissan 370z Nismo

Engine: 3.7-litre V6

Transmission: seven-speed automatic

Power: 363hp

Torque: 560Nm

Price: Dh184,500

Emiratisation at work

Emiratisation was introduced in the UAE more than 10 years ago

It aims to boost the number of citizens in the workforce particularly in the private sector.

Growing the number of Emiratis in the workplace will help the UAE reduce dependence on overseas workers

The Cabinet in December last year, approved a national fund for Emirati jobseekers and guaranteed citizens working in the private sector a comparable pension

President Sheikh Khalifa has described Emiratisation as “a true measure for success”.

During the UAE’s 48th National Day, Sheikh Khalifa named education, entrepreneurship, Emiratisation and space travel among cornerstones of national development

More than 80 per cent of Emiratis work in the federal or local government as per 2017 statistics

The Emiratisation programme includes the creation of 20,000 new jobs for UAE citizens

UAE citizens will be given priority in managerial positions in the government sphere

The purpose is to raise the contribution of UAE nationals in the job market and create a diverse workforce of citizens

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Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

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  • Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
    15 years, 181 days old
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World Sevens Series standing after Dubai

1. South Africa
2. New Zealand
3. England
4. Fiji
5. Australia
6. Samoa
7. Kenya
8. Scotland
9. France
10. Spain
11. Argentina
12. Canada
13. Wales
14. Uganda
15. United States
16. Russia

World Mental Health Day
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

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Getting there

The flights

Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.

The stay

Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net 

Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama

Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com

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ENGLAND%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3EFor%20Euro%202024%20qualifers%20away%20to%20Malta%20on%20June%2016%20and%20at%20home%20to%20North%20Macedonia%20on%20June%2019%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EGoalkeepers%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Johnstone%2C%20Pickford%2C%20Ramsdale.%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDefenders%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Alexander-Arnold%2C%20Dunk%2C%20Guehi%2C%20Maguire%2C%20%20Mings%2C%20Shaw%2C%20Stones%2C%20Trippier%2C%20Walker.%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMidfielders%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bellingham%2C%20Eze%2C%20Gallagher%2C%20Henderson%2C%20%20Maddison%2C%20Phillips%2C%20Rice.%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EForwards%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFoden%2C%20Grealish%2C%20Kane%2C%20Rashford%2C%20Saka%2C%20Wilson.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Thor%3A%20Love%20and%20Thunder%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Taika%20Waititi%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Chris%20Hemsworth%2C%20Natalie%20Portman%2C%20Christian%20Bale%2C%20Russell%20Crowe%2C%20Tessa%20Thompson%2C%20Taika%20Waititi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
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The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.3-litre%20turbo%204-cyl%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E298hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E452Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETowing%20capacity%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.4-tonne%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPayload%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4WD%20%E2%80%93%20776kg%3B%20Rear-wheel%20drive%20819kg%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPrice%3A%20Dh138%2C945%20(XLT)%20Dh193%2C095%20(Wildtrak)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDelivery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20from%20August%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Palestine and Israel
On Women's Day
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

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Premier League results

Saturday

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Arsenal 1

Bournemouth 0 Manchester City 1

Brighton & Hove Albion 1 Huddersfield Town 0

Burnley 1 Crystal Palace 3

Manchester United 3 Southampton 2

Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Cardiff City 0

West Ham United 2 Newcastle United 0

Sunday

Watford 2 Leicester City 1

Fulham 1 Chelsea 2

Everton 0 Liverpool 0

Best Academy: Ajax and Benfica

Best Agent: Jorge Mendes

Best Club : Liverpool   

 Best Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)  

 Best Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

 Best Men’s Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

 Best Partnership of the Year Award by SportBusiness: Manchester City and SAP

 Best Referee: Stephanie Frappart

Best Revelation Player: Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid and Portugal)

Best Sporting Director: Andrea Berta (Atletico Madrid)

Best Women's Player:  Lucy Bronze

Best Young Arab Player: Achraf Hakimi

 Kooora – Best Arab Club: Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

 Kooora – Best Arab Player: Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al-Nassr FC, Saudi Arabia)

 Player Career Award: Miralem Pjanic and Ryan Giggs

The five pillars of Islam
Plan to boost public schools

A major shake-up of government-run schools was rolled out across the country in 2017. Known as the Emirati School Model, it placed more emphasis on maths and science while also adding practical skills to the curriculum.

It was accompanied by the promise of a Dh5 billion investment, over six years, to pay for state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements.

Aspects of the school model will be extended to international private schools, the education minister has previously suggested.

Recent developments have also included the introduction of moral education - which public and private schools both must teach - along with reform of the exams system and tougher teacher licensing requirements.

Result

UAE (S. Tagliabue 90 1') 1-2 Uzbekistan (Shokhruz Norkhonov 48', 86')

School uniforms report
Plastic tipping points
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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

What are the influencer academy modules?
  1. Mastery of audio-visual content creation. 
  2. Cinematography, shots and movement.
  3. All aspects of post-production.
  4. Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
  5. Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
  6. Tourism industry knowledge.
  7. Professional ethics.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League last-16, second leg:

Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70'), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7', Neres 18', Tadic 62', Schone 72')

Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate

Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
While you're here
While you're here
Tomorrow 2021
Tomorrow 2021
The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Match info:

Leicester City 1
Ghezzal (63')

Liverpool 2
Mane (10'), Firmino (45')

On Women's Day
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E-cigarette report
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.4-litre%20V8%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E470bhp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E637Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh375%2C900%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Updated: December 27, 2022, 3:55 PM`
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