A huge blizzard moving through one-third of the United States paralyzed the central part of the country with ice and snow, stranding motorists for hours and forcing the closure of airports and schools as it moved toward the northeast. The gigantic storm, called the worst in decades, delivered brutal weather as it moved from the southern state of Texas to the northeastern state of Maine, halting activity in much of the country. Chicago received up to 37 centimeters of snow, with more still possible. The city shut down its road along Lake Michigan for the first time in years after many motorists were stranded after multiple accidents. Chicago, which routinely handles winter storms that would crush most other U.S. cities, closed public schools for the first time in 12 years. Missouri received as much as 40 centimeters of snow, and more than 26 centimeters fell on northern Indiana and Oklahoma. In the northeastern United States, areas in northern New York state had already received more than 26 centimeters. New York City was expected to get up to 2 centimeters of ice by midday before the mix of sleet and freezing rain changes to rain in the afternoon. Forecasters warn that ice accumulations could knock down tree limbs and power lines. Ice also could affect transit service. More than 200,000 homes and businesses in Ohio began Wednesday without power, while more than 50,000 customers had no electricity in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which were hit mostly with freezing rain and ice. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Craig Fugate said the agency is ready to provide generators, food, water, and other supplies to help state and local authorities. Chicago's O'Hare International Airport-a major hub and the second-busiest U.S. airport-is closed until Thursday. Chicago's Midway domestic airport hoped to resume flights Wednesday afternoon. Hundreds of flights were canceled at airports in Detroit, Michigan; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Madison, Wisconsin.
