4 Deaths Blamed on Plains Snow Storm

HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A winter storm rolled across the Plains states Saturday, causing numerous accidents that killed at least four people in two states.

Heavy snow hit western and central Kansas, limiting visibility and creating hazardous driving conditions.

A couple and their 20-month-old daughter died when their car drove off U.S. 50 in western Kansas and collided with two others cars, authorities said. Three others, including the couple’s 6-year-old daughter, were critically injured, authorities said.

In Oklahoma, a 5-year-old boy died after being thrown from a sport utility vehicle that rolled over after it left a snow-covered highway.

In Kansas, a heavy snow warning was in effect until 6 a.m. Sunday from areas around Wichita westward, the National Weather Service said. Up to 6 inches of snow were forecast for some sections by Sunday, with more to follow.

Further south, a storm spared much of Oklahoma, though snow fell in western and north-central regions. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reported Saturday night that about 36,000 customers in the state remained without power a week after a crippling ice storm.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Saturday the latest round of weather hadn’t caused significant problems on state roads, but falling temperatures overnight could lead to frozen bridges and overpasses. The ice storm was blamed for 25 deaths, most in motor-vehicle accidents.

The National Weather Service said the state is expected to warm into the 40s by Wednesday.