Severe winter storms threaten much of the U.S. with snow, ice, and dangerous travel
Residents across upstate New York are digging out after a powerful lake-effect snowstorm dumped more than 20 inches of snow, bringing brutal winter conditions and dangerous travel.
(CNN)- Residents across upstate New York are digging out after a powerful lake-effect snowstorm dumped more than 20 inches of snow, bringing brutal winter conditions and dangerous travel.
“I wish it would stop,” said resident John Esdinsky.
Highway Superintendent Jason Simmons added, “I think we’re pushing 20 inches, 21, 22 inches.”
Simmons says the snow is expected to continue for at least 24 straight hours, creating whiteout conditions in several areas.
The storm caused major problems on Interstate 90, where authorities responded to multiple crashes involving roughly 60 vehicles over a six-mile stretch of highway. Officials reported several jackknifed tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles that were struck in the chain-reaction collisions.
All westbound lanes of I-90 were shut down as crews diverted traffic and worked to clear the wreckage.
And the dangerous weather isn’t over yet.
Forecasters warn the most extreme winter storm of the season is set to slam the eastern half of the United States, bringing heavy snow and damaging ice. The system, fueled by a blast of Arctic air, is expected to hit the Midwest and Plains Thursday into Friday before spreading into the South and East this weekend.
Communities along the storm’s path — from Oklahoma and northern Texas to North Carolina and Virginia — are bracing for snow, sleet, and freezing rain by Saturday night.
North Carolina DOT official Danny Steelman says salt supplies are becoming harder to get.
“Salt shipment is very important. We were starting to get low from all we’ve had, and so many different places are using salt right now, especially up north. It’s getting kind of hard to get.”
Officials urge drivers to avoid unnecessary travel as winter weather continues to impact large portions of the country.
