Storm dumps feet of snow on Midwest; 4 dead

CHICAGO - A powerful, gusty storm dumped mounds of snow across the upper Midwest yesterday, closing highways in several states, canceling more than 1,600 flights in Chicago and collapsing the roof of the Minnesota Vikings' stadium.

At least four weather-related deaths were reported as the system dropped nearly 2 feet of snow in parts of Minnesota and marched east.

A blizzard warning was in effect for parts of eastern Iowa, southeastern Wisconsin, northwestern Illinois and northern Michigan, according to the National Weather Service.

In Indianapolis, police said a man fatally stabbed his wife, then died near his home yesterday morning when his vehicle hit a tree on a slippery road.

In Minnesota, Douglas Munneke, 55, of St. Cloud died of a heart attack snow-blowing his driveway Saturday.

In southeastern Wisconsin. a vehicle lost control on an ice-covered road and slammed into a tree, killing Alejandria Abaunza, 21, of Chicago and injuring two other people inside.

In western Wisconsin, Clifford Larson, 79, of Woodville was snow-blowing his driveway when he was killed when a plow truck backed into him.

Heavy snow left the Metrodome in Minneapolis decidedly unready for some football. Video in the stadium aired by Fox Sports showed the inflatable Teflon roof sagging before it tore open, dumping massive amounts of snow across one end of the playing field. Sunday's game against the Giants was moved to Monday night in Detroit.

Officials were trying to repair the roof in time for the Vikings' next home game, a week from Monday night against Chicago.

Blowing snow severely limited visibility and the storm wreaked havoc on air and road travel.

At least 1,375 flights were canceled at O'Hare International Airport and 300 more at Midway International Airport, Chicago Department of Aviation spokeswoman Karen Pride said.

Six people were injured Saturday when a van carrying 13 people hit a guardrail and overturned near Stanwood, Mich.