Sprawling storm threatens several US states, thousands evacuated

A massive late-winter storm hit several central US states Thursday, forcing thousands to evacuate, snarling air traffic and leaving drivers stranded. There were widespread road closures and more than 1,000 flights canceled at the worst affected airports. The intense storm affected much of the nation's midsection with "heavy snows, blizzard conditions and widespread wind gusts over hurricane force," according to the National Weather Service.