Blizzard's icy fingers scratch across U.S.

CHICAGO, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- A blizzard howled over the U.S. Upper Midwest, bringing promises of more snow, frigid temperatures and treacherous conditions, forecasters said.

Snow extended from eastern Nebraska to Michigan, AccuWeather.com reported, and was tracking toward the Northeast, which was expecting to be slammed with the wintry mix throughout Wednesday.

So far, officials blame the massive late fall storm for four deaths.

Up to 15 inches of snow was on the ground in Madison, Wis., where the University of Wisconsin canceled all classes, the Wisconsin State Journal said.

Through 3 a.m., Central standard time, Wednesday, the storm had dumped 11.5 inches on Des Moines, Iowa, and 6 inches on Omaha, AccuWeather.com reported.

Road conditions were expected to remain dangerous in the Upper Midwest as the falling snow tapered off, yielding to wind gusts of up to 60 mph that would blow the snow around and making visibility poor.

Officials in several states advised motorists not to travel, but if they must, pack a winter survival kit, warm clothes and blankets.

No place registered more snow than South Fork, Colo., where 59 inches fell, weather officials said. Below the mountains, Clay Center, Neb., reported 14 inches, Rockport, Mo., had 12.5 and about a foot was reported in Mankato and Phillipsburg, both in Kansas. Six to 10 inches were reported across parts of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.

The storm was forecast to move to the northeast through the night and air travel was expected to be seriously impacted across the Midwest and Northeast Wednesday, forecasters said.

Snow, ice and rain already moved into the mid-Atlantic region and was expected to spread into the Northeast through, AccuWeather.com said. Washington, Philadelphia and New York City were expected to get mostly rain, but sleet and snow were possible.