photo by: Associated Press

Snow starts to build on road signs along Interstate 70 near Manhattan, Kan., Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

SALINA — One person died and a section of Interstate 70 was closed for several hours after heavy snowfall caused multiple accidents early Tuesday, officials said.

The Kansas Highway Patrol said a McPherson man died in an accident south of Lindsborg. Alberto Garcia, 26, was killed when he lost control of his car, swerved into the oncoming lane and collided with a pickup truck, the patrol said. Two boys in Garcia’s car, ages 4 and 6, were taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

A section of Interstate 70 westbound between Salina and Kansas 14 was closed so emergency workers could respond to several accidents, state transportation officials said. It was reopened about 11 a.m. Other highways in north central Kansas were snow and ice covered and officials urged people to travel with caution.

The patrol said Troop C, which covers 18 counties, including McPherson County, responded to 82 calls from 4 a.m. to noon Tuesday, which included 42 slide-offs and the fatality, The Wichita Eagle reported.

The National Weather Service reported snowfall amounts up to 9 inches near Sylvan Grove in Lincoln County and Agra in Phillips County.

A winter storm warning was issued for Ellsworth, Lincoln, McPherson, Saline and Marion counties until 6 p.m. Tuesday.