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Officials are keeping a keen eye on the weather as extreme conditions ranging from severe thunderstorms to blizzards could hit parts of Kansas beginning as soon as Friday night.  
A blizzard warning is in effect for western Kansas starting early Saturday asa storm forecasters say is "extremely dangerous" heads for the region.  The National Weather Service predicts wind gusts of 60 miles an hour, which could whip a four- to-eight-inch snowfall into drifts several feet deep.  Authorities also warn of power outages and possible road closures, including Interstate 70. The worst of the storm is expected in northwestern Kansas, an area that was paralyzed by an ice and snow storm that ushered in 2007.  Lesser amounts of snow are forecast for southwestern Kansas, but 50-mile-an-hour winds will could create zero visibility.  
The Salina area could get severe thunderstorms late Friday night and snow late Saturday night.  Spokesperson Ron Kaufman from the Kansas Department of Transportation tells KSAL News that road crews are already on standby, and preparations are ready to close roads as needed.
Kaufman says that there are several major events going on this weekend that could force I-70 to close further east that it normally would.  Most notable is the state wrestling tournament.  With Hays and Salina both hosting venues for the tournament many hotel rooms are already booked.  
Kaufman adds that you can keep informed on the latest road and weather conditions by utilizing the 511 Information Line.

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