New York’s attorney general has started taking legal action against "shady" businesses engaging in price gouging following the massive snowstorm in Buffalo.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced Monday that his office has already sent a cease and desist letter to one business accused of illegally raising its prices, and is investigating several other complaints.

He said in a statement that while the majority of Buffalo residents have been pitching in to help those in need, a few "shady" businesses are using the "moment of crisis to make a quick buck."

He wrote: "Few things are more reprehensible than exploiting a tragedy to prey on your neighbours."

Residents can report incidents of suspected price gouging to his office by calling 1-800-771-7755 or online.

Storm volunteer Linda Garrison from West Seneca, N.Y., told CTV's Canada AM there were people charging between $350 to $450 to plow the snow off of people's driveways.

In addition to snow-clearing services, there are media reports of stores increasing their prices for basic food staples such as milk.

But Garrison said that despite a few incidents of price gouging, the majority of Buffalo residents were offering help for free. She herself joined a volunteer group that offered snow removal services to veterans in need.

She said she and other group members spent time clearing snow off the roof, driveway and pathway for a veteran who had lost both his legs.

Residents brace for flooding

After the record snowfall, which totalled more than two metres in some areas, Buffalo residents are now contending with a flood risk and possible evacuations.

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the area Monday, as the temperature is set to climb to nearly 16 C. Forecasts are also calling for rain and wind gusts of up to 95 kilometres per hour.

On Sunday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned those living in flood-prone areas to remove any valuable items from their basements and prepare for possible evacuations.

Garrison said the extreme weather has definitely taken its toll on everyone.

"It's been hard. It was a lot of snow that came down at once, and it was just too hard to keep up with it," she said. "It's just a struggle for everyone. People are losing days of work…it's tough."