Plains A potent snowstorm which dumped more than a foot of snow across portions of Wyoming and South Dakota is slowly winding down. Impassable roadways, downed power lines and strong gusty winds were common across the region yesterday. In North Dakota several small tornadoes were reported near Bismarck. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were reportedly horrendous as Typhoon Xangsane approached the island. Several survivors reported driving rain and wind gusts as high as 80 mph in the vicinity near the time of lift-off.
Authorities hope to determine what caused the tragic accident in the next few days.