Snow, Tornadoes, Thunderstorms Threaten Millions

A powerful system of storms churned across the Rocky Mountains and into the Midwest on Wednesday, dumping snow, driving high winds and leaving tens of millions of people in its projected path. Blizzard conditions hit the Denver area on Wednesday morning — less than 24 hours after it hit a high temperature of 70. Strong winds reduced visibility, and ice closed roads in the Eastern Plains. Blizzard conditions were also forecast for northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska. Winds could reach 35 mph, resulting in areas of blowing and drifting snow, the National Weather Service said. More than 12,000 customers had lost power in the Kansas City area Wednesday afternoon.