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First Winter Storm Brings High Winds, Closes Highways

Portions of two major highways in northwestern Kansas have been closed because of hazardous winter weather conditions.

A powerful storm moving out of the Rockies Wednesday created near blizzard conditions in portions of the state. Transportation officials closed sections of Interstate 70 and U.S. 36. Blowing snow also contributed to a crash that closed Kansas 96 between Tribune and Leoti.

At least two school districts canceled classes Wednesday ahead of the storm.

In Goodland, the National Weather Service predicted just 1 to 3 inches of snow from Interstate 70 south, with slightly higher amounts near the Nebraska state line. The Wichita area saw around one inch of snowfall.

Forecasters warn that wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour will continue to make travel through the state difficult. Snowfall is expected to taper off by late Thursday morning.