NEBRASKA -- Blizzard-like conditions are shutting down highways in north-central and northwest Nebraska. 

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) was reporting multiple closed and impassable highways by mid-afternoon. 

The most significant closure was U.S. Highway 20 in both directions over a stretch of about 180 miles between Chadron and Wood Lake. 

Snow has been falling in the region, with wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph creating widespread whiteout conditions. 

The wind is bringing dangerously cold temperatures. 

Gordon, Neb. recorded a wind chill of 50 below zero just after 2 p.m.