U.S. ice storm blamed for 17 deaths

CHICAGO, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- Weather watches and warnings were up in numerous northern and eastern U.S. states Tuesday as a winter storm that has killed at least 17 people moved east.

The majority of the deaths were associated with road accidents as freezing rain made driving conditions treacherous Monday in the Central Plains, AccuWeather reported.

The Chicago Tribune quoted forecasters as saying the city was under a freezing rain advisory until midnight Tuesday.

Because of heavy ice buildup on power lines and tree branches that fell on them, as many as 600,000 homes and businesses were without power in Oklahoma and south central Kansas, The Kansas City (Mo.) Star reported.

The Oklahoman reported more than 500,000 customers were without power in Oklahoma.

President George Bush declared a state of emergency for Oklahoma's 77 counties, making federal aid available, the White House said in a statement.

Boston Medical Center's emergency room reported it had treated more than 10 serious injuries caused by falls on icy streets on Monday, the Boston Globe said.

Dense fog caused delays at Lambert St. Louis International Airport Tuesday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said.

AccuWeather said temperatures in Pittsburgh and Washington would climb into the 50s Tuesday, about 10 degrees above average for both cities, bringing fog.