Snowstorm in Midwest proves deadly

ST. LOUIS — A massive winter snowstorm that blanketed several Midwest states was a factor in at least five road deaths Saturday.

The storm moved into Kansas and Nebraska from the Rockies on Friday, then east into Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana, covering roads and making driving dangerous. Part of Interstate 44 near St. Louis was blocked for several hours Saturday, and at one point the Missouri State Highway Patrol warned of traffic delays as long as eight hours.

The storm was expected to spread east into the Mid-Atlantic region, with between 3 and 6 inches of snow expected in the Washington area, along with parts of northern and central Maryland, by Sunday.

Laurie Skrivan / Associated Press Jeff Clifford digs out his girlfriend’s car from beneath snow Saturday in St. Louis. A winter storm swept the region, snarling traffic and leaving thousands without power.