The Nation : Southwest, Plains Hit by Gig Snowstorm

A major storm swirled over the Rockies and the plains, dumping up to 19 inches of snow in some sections, closing highways and causing a 70-car pileup in Denver. An additional 18 inches was forecast for Colorado’s southern mountains and adjacent foothills. The pileup of about 70 vehicles on Interstate 70 in Denver closed one side of the freeway for almost two hours. No injuries were reported, but witnesses said some vehicles were heavily damaged. Wind gusts reached 71 m.p.h. at Albuquerque, N. M., and snow drifts topped five feet in some areas. Police closed sections of Interstate 40 and several other highways in New Mexico because of the snow. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol also reported slick, snow-packed roads.