Ice storm disrupting Midwest travel

DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Traveling in the Midwest proved daunting Sunday as a major ice storm hit most of the region, causing numerous accidents and dangerous conditions.

The main highways in Missouri and Illinois were glazed with ice in certain portions, causing numerous accidents but no serious injuries to date, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

The National Weather Service issued a freezing rain and ice storm advisory and another icy weather pattern expected to enter the region Sunday night, the newspaper said.

The weather also was blamed on power outages affecting thousands throughout Missouri, where ice accumulation was increasing as the storm gained intensity.

Similar weather conditions in Iowa also caused numerous traffic accidents this weekend, police told The Des Moines (Iowa) Register.

National Weather Service meteorologist Miles Schumacher said a weather system with mixed precipitation is expected to enter Iowa Monday night, potentially bringing excessive moisture with it.