Colossal Winter Storm Roars across United States
Baku, February 2 (AZERTAC). A massive storm billed as the worst in decades barreled toward the northeast Wednesday, leaving vast swaths from Chicago to New York paralyzed by snow and ice, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded all night and shuttering airports and schools.
Chicago received up to 17 inches of snow with more still possible, and Missouri as much as 1 1/2 feet. More than a foot dropped on northern Indiana and southeast Kansas, while Oklahoma saw as much as a foot.
In the Northeast, spots in northern New York had already gotten more than a foot of snow. New York City was expected to get up to three-quarters of an inch of ice by midday before the mix of sleet and freezing rain warms up to rain.
Forecasters warn that ice accumulations could knock down some tree limbs and power lines. Ice also could affect transit service, even as plow drivers struggled to keep up with the snow on many roads.
Cities across the Middle America shut down hours ahead of the snow. Scores of schools, colleges and government offices canceled activities or decided not to open at all. Thousands of flights were canceled across the nation.
Even Chicago - with its legions of snowplows and its usual confidence in the face of winter storms that would surely crush other cities - bent under the storm`s weight. Not only was driving in and around the city dicey, but flying in and out of Chicago`s O`Hare International Airport - a major U.S. hub - won`t be possible at all until Thursday.
Other news in this section
