DENVER (AP) – Interstate 70 is back open after a winter storm in eastern and northeastern Colorado prompted authorities to close eastbound lanes from Denver almost to the Kansas state line.

The National Weather Service said snow was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches an hour on Monday.

The storm is moving fast and snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are expected before it moves into Kansas.

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are expected to limit visibility.

Eastbound I-70 was closed from Airpark Road outside Denver to Burlington, a distance of nearly 150 miles.

U.S. 36 in northeastern Colorado is closed in both directions for 35 miles between Watkins and Last Chance.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)