December_17–22,_2012_North_American_blizzard
December 17–22, 2012 North American blizzard
2012 winter storm in United States and Canada
The December 17–22, 2012 North American blizzard[8][9][10] was a winter storm that affected the Midwestern and Eastern United States.[5] Forming on December 17, the winter storm moved across the midwest, forcing schools to close throughout the region.[3] Numerous warnings and advisories had been posted by the National Weather Service for many states, including Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, and Wisconsin.[3][11] Both O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport in Chicago, Illinois canceled most departures and arrivals.[12] According to flight tracking website FlightStats.com, more than 1,000 flights were canceled across the region.[13] More than 130,000 customers were without power across the west and midwest.[5]
In addition to snow, strong thunderstorms and possible tornadoes went across the Southern United States.[14] A multiple-car pileup on Interstate 35 in Fort Dodge, Iowa killed two people, according to the Iowa State Patrol.[6] American Airlines, American Eagle Airlines, and Southwest Airlines collectively canceled a total of 573 flights in the midwest.[15] Greyhound Lines also canceled service in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Indianapolis.[15]
The storm moved east towards the Northeast and New England. Winter storm and blizzard warnings were issued from north New York to western Pennsylvania.[6]