Severe winter weather triggered multiple serious crashes across central Illinois today, bringing traffic to a standstill on major highways. Whiteout conditions, blowing snow, and dangerous black ice led to multi-vehicle pileups along I-55 near Springfield and I-57 near Mattoon, with authorities confirming fatal incidents. Drivers faced near-zero visibility as snow rapidly covered roadways, forcing closures and emergency response efforts across the region. Officials are urging the public to avoid