Drivers trapped by piles of tumbleweed up to 30ft high in Washington state

Several people were stuck in their cars as the clocks struck midnight on New Year’s Eve after becoming trapped by piles of tumbleweed up to 20-30ft high (6-9 metres).

A US highway in Washington state had to be closed in both directions at around 6.30pm on New Year’s Eve due to the balls of dry plants blowing in.

Trooper Chris Thorson of Washington state patrol said five cars and one truck had been trapped in the tumbleweeds, in an incident which he dubbed “tumblegeddon”.

The plants were so thick that snow ploughs had to be used to clear the scene.

Article URL: https://news.sky.com/story/drivers-trapped-by-piles-of-tumbleweed-up-to-30ft-high-in-washington-state-11899560