Thanksgiving weekend turned treacherous across the Midwest as a powerful winter storm unleashed its fury, culminating in a harrowing scene on a stretch of Indiana’s I-70.
A blinding snowstorm transformed the highway into a chaotic landscape, triggering a massive 45-vehicle pileup that stretched for what seemed like miles. The sheer scale of the collision was terrifying, a tangled mess of metal and shattered glass.
Against all odds, a remarkable report emerged from the Indiana State Police: despite the devastation, there were no serious injuries. Officer Matt Ames, on the scene, relayed the astonishing news amidst the wreckage.
The accident unfolded near Terre Haute, Indiana, close to the Illinois border, as icy conditions gripped the region. Drivers found themselves battling treacherous roads and rapidly diminishing visibility.
Food writer Jed Portman was among those caught in the sprawling wreck. Though his vehicle sustained damage, he escaped unharmed, describing a scene of both relief and disbelief.
Walking towards the front of the pileup to speak with authorities, Portman witnessed a scene that would stay with him. Families were emerging from severely damaged cars, a testament to sheer luck and resilience.
The Midwest was blanketed in heavy snow throughout the weekend. Lake-effect snow buried parts of Ohio and Michigan, while Winter Storm Bellamy dumped nearly a foot of snow in Iowa and Wisconsin.
Authorities issued urgent warnings, advising drivers to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary and to maintain a safe following distance. The message was clear: the winter season had arrived with a vengeance.
The National Weather Service emphasized the importance of increased space between vehicles, a critical precaution in the face of hazardous winter conditions. The storm served as a stark reminder of nature’s power.
Looking ahead, AccuWeather forecasts continued snowfall from Kansas to Maine in early December, signaling a prolonged period of winter weather across a vast swath of the United States.
