Snowplows used to remove tumbleweeds that blocked Washington highway for hours

RICHLAND, Wash. -- An eastern Washington highway was closed for hours on New Year's Eve after being covered by tumbleweeds.

According to the Washington State Patrol, SR 240 was closed late Tuesday until around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Troopers told KVEW that at least ten cars were buried under the brush, but no injuries were reported.

Up to 20-30 feet of tumbleweeds buried the highway in places.

Troopers said windy conditions caused the tumbleweeds to pile up causing a much larger blockage than normally seen.