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Truckers Stranded For Two Days In Storm

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (CBS) -- Conditions in Northwest Indiana are so bad that some drivers have been stuck for two days, including a FedEx driver who has been trying to get a delivery down to Alabama.

Major Indiana interstates, like Interstate 80-94 and Interstate 65 have been closed due to a massive snowstorm and high winds that have made it nearly impossible for snow plows to clear the roads.

A line of truckers sat overnight near Merrillville, waiting for the roads to reopen. On Sunday night, Northwest Indiana officials declared a state of emergency, restricting travel to emergency vehicles and snowplows.

"Right now we have a FedEx load trying to take it down to Alabama," trucker Amy List told CBS 2's Courtney Gousman. "We need to get it there by tonight so everyone can get their gifts and stuff that they ordered."

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It's been one heck of a trip for List, who picked up her packages in Chicago Heights.

"We were stuck at the truck stop for two days because of the storm. We couldn't even get our truck out this morning, we had to get a bulldozer to pull us out."

Now, they are sitting, waiting it out with other drivers for the roads to clear.

"We don't have much of a choice."

Department of Transportation officials say more than 140 plows are moving snow and ice in Northwest Indiana, but high winds are sweeping the mess right back onto the roads.

"Everyone keeps asking, "When is this road going to open, what road can I take,' " said INDOT spokesman Matt Dietchely. "You need to be off those roads and stay home possibly through tomorrow."

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