DENVER — A strong storm system dropping light snow on Denver was making travel hazardous as it headed east Wednesday morning, menacing the Plains with heavy snow and threatening turbulent weather — even tornadoes — in Iowa, Missouri.

Colorado troopers reported several crashes on windy, icy Interstate 25 near the Wyoming border, and flights have been canceled at Denver International Airport.

Airport spokesman Heath Montgomery said airlines canceled about 50 flights in anticipation of the bad weather — just a small portion of the airport’s 1,500 daily flights. He said ground crews have been able to keep up with the snow.

The FAA was slowing morning flights into Denver to spread out traffic and avoid longer delays.

National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Dankers said up to 12 inches have been reported in the Rockies and around 3 inches fell on Denver. The Denver total could hit 4 inches by the time the system leaves the area.