(AP) – An arctic blast that brought subzero

temperatures and punishing winds across the Kansas plains has

raised fears for the already drought-stressed winter wheat crop.

The storm dropped massive amounts of snow in eastern Kansas, but

offered little moisture in the parched western counties where the

bulk of the wheat is grown.

Experts say without a protective snow cover the crop is

especially vulnerable to frigid temperatures that have settled

across the state. Western Kansas counties got about an inch of dry,

powdery snow – too little to replenish depleted soil moisture.

Kansas State University wheat specialist Jim Shroyer says the

extent of winterkill and wind damage won’t be known until spring.