A terrifying ordeal ended Thursday morning when two boys from Newburgh, New York, were rescued after several hours trapped in a snow bank. 

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The boys, cousins, were building a fort Wednesday night in the snow bank in a parking lot across the street from their home in Kenny Apartments, according to CBS New York. 

Officials say the 9 and 11-year-old became trapped after a snow plow clearing the parking lot pushed snow over them, the Associated Press reported. The snow plow operator did not realize the boys were in the area. 

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One boy's mother was concerned after they did not return by 10 p.m., and family members began a search, NBC New York said. After the search yielded nothing, the mother called 911 to report them missing. 

The boys were at risk for hypothermia as they spent the night outdoors in the snowbank.

"Temperatures were cold in Newburgh late Wednesday into early morning Thursday," said weather.com meteorologist Chrissy Warrilow. "Due to Winter Storm Cato, thermometers hovered between 28° and 32° during that time period, allowing as much as 7 inches of snow to accumulate." 

"Temperatures that cold would be life-threatening to anyone exposed to the chill for prolonged periods. Thankfully, snow does provide some insulation, but not enough to completely thwart the danger of hypothermia, Warrilow added. 

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The boys were rescued after an officer discovered a half-buried shovel and proceeded to dig more, uncovering a boot, according to NBC New York. They were completely unburied after additional help arrived. 

The boys were transported to the hospital and were treated for exposure, the Associated Press reported. Officials said one of the boys was hospitalized for observation. 

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