Blizzard Conditions Close Texas Panhandle Highways

AMARILLO, Texas (AP) -- Officials closed Interstate 40 west of
Amarillo early Friday as a Panhandle winter storm intensified.
A Texas Department of Public Safety dispatcher in Amarillo says
the National Guard has been placed on alert to help
blizzard-stranded motorists, if needed.
A series of wrecks and blizzard conditions in the far
northwestern corner of the Texas Panhandle has forced the closing
of a stretch of U.S. Highway 87 from Dalhart to the New Mexico
state line. Authorities closed U.S. 54 west of Dalhart and U.S. 385
north of Dalhart because of low visibility in blowing snow.
The National Weather Service said snowfalls of up to a foot and
winds gusting to more than 45 mph could lead to snowdrifts of up to
20 feet before the storm wanes near midday Saturday.
  
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