Whiteouts cause head-on collisions as wind persists… Claiming 15….

Blowing snow and poor visibility caused an eight-car pile-up on a Royalton road Monday afternoon.

Sheriff Michael Filicetti described the accident, which occurred at 3:30 p.m. on the 3600 block of Hartland Road, as a head-on collision with additional cars colliding due to whiteouts. One driver was taken by ambulance for care of a minor injury.

Middleport Police Chief Roland Johnson described the crash location as ¾ of a mile south of Route 104, adjacent to open fields. State police and the Gasport Fire Company also responded to the scene.

Whiteouts Cause Head-On Collisions as Wind Persists Across Region

[June 14, 2025] — A series of dangerous whiteout conditions triggered by strong winds and sudden snowfall have led to multiple head-on collisions in parts of the Midwest and Northern United States, leaving several people injured and prompting urgent travel advisories from local authorities.

Meteorologists and emergency officials say the rapid development of whiteout conditions — where visibility can drop to near zero within seconds — has turned open highways and rural roads into extremely hazardous zones. The storm system responsible for the chaos began late Friday night and continued through Saturday morning, bringing gusts exceeding 50 mph and bands of fast-moving snow squalls.

Multiple Crashes Reported

One of the most serious incidents occurred near Interstate 90 in South Dakota, where two vehicles collided head-on just before dawn. According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, both drivers were injured, one critically. Witnesses reported that visibility dropped to “less than a car length” moments before the collision. Emergency services struggled to reach the scene due to icy roads and ongoing wind gusts.

In neighboring Minnesota, a similar crash occurred along Highway 14 outside New Ulm, where a pickup truck crossed into oncoming traffic after losing sight of the lane markings. Local police confirmed at least four injuries, with two individuals transported to regional hospitals.

Officials say additional minor collisions and fender benders have been reported across North Dakota, Montana, and parts of Wisconsin. In many cases, drivers simply did not see approaching vehicles, road signs, or even curves in the road until it was too late.

What Causes Whiteout Conditions?

Whiteouts occur when falling or blowing snow combined with strong winds obscure the horizon and make it nearly impossible to see. Under these conditions, drivers may become disoriented and lose track of the road entirely. Meteorologist Karen Drew from the National Weather Service explained that “the reflective nature of snow and the complete lack of contrast makes the environment visually flatten — it’s like driving inside a ping pong ball.”

This weekend’s whiteouts were worsened by the geography of the region — large, flat areas with few trees or buildings to break the wind. The drifting snow, blown directly across open roads, created near-instant blind zones for unsuspecting drivers.

Authorities Urge Caution, Road Closures in Effect

State troopers in South Dakota, Minnesota, and North Dakota have issued public warnings and closed certain stretches of highway. In Fargo, ND, all eastbound lanes of Interstate 94 were closed temporarily due to a 15-car pileup that occurred when a semi-truck jackknifed amid swirling snow.

Captain Mitch Leary of the North Dakota State Patrol stated, “We’re asking people to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Even experienced drivers can become confused in these whiteout situations. It’s not worth the risk.”

Snowplow operators have also faced challenges, with high winds quickly undoing their efforts. Some towns have temporarily suspended plowing until winds die down, prioritizing emergency response access instead.

Impact on Air and Rail Travel

The severe weather hasn’t just affected roadways. Several regional airports — including Sioux Falls, Fargo, and Duluth — experienced delays and cancellations due to low visibility and blowing snow. Delta and United Airlines both issued travel waivers for affected flights, allowing passengers to rebook without fees.

Amtrak service through portions of North Dakota and Minnesota has also been delayed as rail operators inspect tracks and coordinate with local authorities to ensure safety during the blizzard-like conditions.

Residents React: “Like a Curtain Dropped”

Local residents describe the speed at which conditions worsened as “terrifying.” James Hutton, a truck driver from Watertown, SD, said, “I’ve been driving 18-wheelers for 20 years, and this was one of the scariest mornings I’ve had. One second I could see down the road, the next it was like someone dropped a white curtain in front of my truck.”

Several schools across the region closed early or shifted to remote learning. Grocery stores in affected areas also reported surges in purchases of basic supplies as families prepared to hunker down for the weekend.

How to Stay Safe in a Whiteout

The National Weather Service has shared important safety tips for those who may find themselves caught in a whiteout:

Do not stop on the road: Pull off the highway if possible, as stopping in the travel lane can cause serious crashes.

Use low-beam headlights: High beams can reflect off snow and worsen visibility.

Slow down gradually: Slamming the brakes can cause skidding or loss of control.

Remain in your vehicle: If you become stranded, it’s safer to stay inside the car until help arrives.

Avoid unnecessary travel: If a whiteout is forecast, stay home if at all possible.

What’s Next?

Meteorologists predict that wind conditions will slowly ease over the next 24–36 hours, allowing visibility to gradually improve. However, blowing and drifting snow may continue in open areas through Sunday evening.

Another low-pressure system is expected to move into the region by mid-next week, potentially bringing additional snowfall. Authorities say they are already preparing for that event and are urging residents to remain vigilant.

Until then, local officials continue to stress caution. “This kind of weather can turn deadly in a matter of seconds,” said Captain Leary. “Please take it seriously.”

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