WICHITA — The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a high wind warning for Barton County and central Kansas from 8 am to 8 pm Wednesday.
• Northwest winds are forecast from 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.
• Very strong winds will develop after 9 a.m. Wednesday and continue through Wednesday evening.
• Intense crosswinds on north/south highways will make travel difficult. Light structural damage is possible, especially to roofs. Light objects may be blown around. Some  commercial power interruption is also possible.
A high wind warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained winds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph are expected. Winds this strong can cause property damage.
NORTHWEST KANSAS -- In northwest Kansas, a quick-moving winter storm has produced a blizzard warning Wednesday for snow and northwest winds gusting 55 to 65 mph west of a line from McCook, Neb. to Colby to Sharon Springs. The snow is forecast to cross the Kansas border about 1 a.m.
Thunder snow is possible along the Colorado/Kansas/Nebraska border around sunrise. Road closures and power outages are likely.
Travel is discouraged. Snowfall accumulations of two to six inches are forecast in six northwest Kansas counties. Elsewhere, rain with northwest winds gusting 55 to 65 mph. A high wind warning is in effect and power outages are possible.