3 deaths blamed on Plains snow storm

A winter storm rolled across the Plains states Saturday, causing numerous crashes and a three-car accident on a western Kansas highway that killed three people.

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

The three people died when their car drove off U.S. 50 and collided with two others cars, authorities said. Three others were critically injured, authorities said.

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.

In Oklahoma, the storm spared much of the state, though snow fell in western and north-central regions. More than 39,000 were still 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.

Utility crews continued to restore electricity in the state. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission reported Saturday afternoon that 39,969 customers in the state remained without power.

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