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Winter Storm Closes Stretches Of I-70

Kansas Department of Transportation
The winter storm as seen in northwest Kansas.

A massive winter storm has been dumping snow and rain on Kansas, with western Kansas took the biggest hit.

Whiteout conditions on slick roads closed Interstate 70 and other major highways in western Kansas. Gov. Jeff Colyer says the weather could strand travelers returning home after Christmas.

“I want people to be mindful of what the weather is doing there. Don’t go out unless you absolutely need to be out on the roads right now,” Colyer says.

Colyer has signed a disaster declaration and the state is mobilizing teams to rescue stranded motorists. The eastern part of the state could see freezing rain as the storm moves on Thursday.

Stephen Koranda is Statehouse reporter for Kansas Public Radio, a partner in the Kansas News Service. Follow him on Twitter @kprkoranda. Kansas News Service stories and photos may be republished at no cost with proper attribution and a link back to the original post. To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.

Stephen Koranda is the managing editor of the Kansas News Service, based at KCUR. He has nearly 20 years of experience in public media as a reporter and editor.