A major winter storm is cutting a broad swath across the Midwest, snarling traffic and cutting power to thousands of households as it heads to the and Northeast. Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain should continue through midmorning in Illinois and Indiana. Authorities are pleading with the public to stay home if possible.
Power companies report more than 50,000 customers without service in Illinois, and nearly 100,0000 in Indiana. Roads are a mess and many schools are closed across northern Ohio. In the Northeast, snowfall totals of up to 14 inches are forecast. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is asking nonessential state employees to stay home. (More severe weather stories.)