A fierce storm dumped snow and ice across the midsection of the United States, stranding travelers as highways and airports closed and leaving many to stay just where they were. Meteorologists predicted the slow-moving storm would glaze highways in the East with ice and that gusty thunderstorms would hamper the South. An ice storm warning was issued for parts of West Virginia and the Blue Ridge mountains in North Carolina and Virginia, while a wind chill advisory cautioned of temperatures as low as minus 30 Fahrenheit (minus 34 Celsius) in Montana. The National Weather Service warned that blizzards would hit parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Slippery roads have been blamed for at least 18 deaths this week as the storm moved east across the country from the Southwest. Driving became so treacherous that authorities closed interstates in Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas to prevent further collisions. The National Weather Service said the storm posed a threat to life and property. Officials warned travelers to stay home, and pack emergency kits if they had to set out. Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry declared a state of emergency.
