Indiana, USA: A powerful winter storm has struck the central United States, bringing the heaviest snowfall in ten years. The storm is impacting over 60 million people, with seven states—Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and others—declaring a state of emergency.

Snow, strong winds, and plunging temperatures have left roads completely impassable. Major highways, especially in Kansas, western Nebraska, and Indiana, are buried under thick snow. National Guard troops have been deployed to assist stranded drivers.

The I-70 corridor is expected to see 8-14 inches of snow, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 45 mph. In some regions, roads have been completely shut down, and numerous accidents have been reported. Around 600 motorists were stuck in Missouri, while authorities advised people to avoid traveling due to rapidly accumulating snow in Indiana.

The storm has also disrupted air travel, with 200 flights canceled at St. Louis International Airport. Rail services have been severely affected as well, with several trains between Chicago and St. Louis halted.

Temperatures have plummeted to levels 12-25 degrees lower than usual, reaching -11.7C in Minnesota and -7C in Chicago. The bitter cold has extended to the eastern states, even affecting Georgia.

Schools and workplaces have shut down, and emergency services are on high alert. Authorities in New Jersey and West Virginia have urged residents to remain indoors. The combination of freezing winds, intense snow, and occasional tornadoes is making the storm particularly dangerous.

Experts have noted that such a severe winter event is unprecedented in the US for the past decade.