Snowbound East digging out after record-setting blizzard

NEW YORK — A mammoth blizzard that paralyzed Washington and set a single-day snowfall record in New York City gave way Sunday to brilliant sunshine and gently rising temperatures, enabling millions to begin digging out.

Millions heeded calls to stay home, allowing road crews to start clearing snow and ice.

At least 28 deaths were blamed on the weather, first in car crashes, and then while shoveling snow or breathing carbon monoxide.

Along with clearing snow and ice from facilities and equipment, the operators of airlines, train and transit systems had to figure out how to get snowbound employees to work.

Amtrak operated a reduced number of trains on all its routes, serving many people who couldn’t get around otherwise, spokesman Marc Magliari said.

The zoo was making hearts sing in other ways — even though the grounds remained closed through Monday, an online video of its giant panda Tian Tian making snow angels got more than 48 million views.