Another storm rakes Plains; 3 die in Texas

LUBBOCK, TEXAS —  Yet another storm swept across the nation’s midsection Thursday, burying areas still recovering from an earlier wave of severe weather, tying up air travel and killing at least three people.

A 40-car pileup on Interstate 40 in the Texas Panhandle that killed at least one person was caused by blowing snow that limited visibility and left icy patches, said Wayne Beighle, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper.

A firetruck rolled over while approaching the scene, slightly injuring a firefighter. The storm was responsible for two other deaths, in and near Amarillo, officials said.

“It has taken a heavy toll up here,” Beighle said.

“We’re still telling people to be real careful.”

More than 600 flights into and out of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport were canceled, and others were delayed an average of two hours. Flights were also canceled at some other airports, including Indianapolis.