Pacific Northwest storm jams Portland traffic

A massive winter storm trapped drivers on icy roads, blacked out hundreds of thousands of homes, grounded airplanes and closed schools in multiple states across the US. Unexpectedly heavy snow during rush hour sent dozens of cars spinning out in Portland, Oregon, and caused hours-long traffic jams.

The regional bus service offered free rides to warming shelters for homeless individuals. Weather contributed to nearly 1,800 U.S. flight cancellations and another 6,000-plus flights were delayed across the country. Temperatures could plunge as low as minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit Thursday and to minus 25 degree Fahrenheit Friday in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The storm will make its way toward the East Coast later this week.