HAYS, Kan. (AP) — A blizzard blanketed western Kansas with snow Thursday, causing whiteout conditions that led to numerous wrecks and highway closures, and knocked out power for thousands of homes.

The storm, which began late Wednesday, put about three dozen counties under blizzard warnings or winter storm warnings and advisories. The National Weather Service forecast accumulations of up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of snow in some areas and drift-creating gusts of up to 50 mph (80 kph).

By noon Thursday, the snowfall was beginning to slow. The storm also dumped rain across central and easter...