A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for a significant portion of central and eastern Kansas, stretching across numerous counties and cities. The watch, in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon, warns of heavy snow and hazardous travel conditions.
The National Weather Service is forecasting total snow accumulations between 5 and 9 inches. The affected area includes cities such as Topeka, Manhattan, Lawrence, Emporia, Ottawa, Junction City, and Marysville.
Roads, particularly bridges and overpasses, are expected to become slick and dangerous. Travel could be very difficult, potentially impacting both the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Residents are strongly urged to consider delaying all travel.
If travel is absolutely necessary, drivers are advised to proceed with extreme caution. The National Weather Service recommends carrying a winter storm kit that includes items like tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, shovel, blankets, extra clothing, water, a first aid kit, and other survival supplies in case of stranding.
The Winter Storm Watch encompasses the following counties: Republic, Washington, Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Cloud, Clay, Riley, Pottawatomie, Jackson, Jefferson, Ottawa, Dickinson, Geary, Morris, Wabaunsee, Shawnee, Douglas, Lyon, Osage, Franklin, Coffey, and Anderson. Other cities included in the watch are Belleville, Burlingame, McLouth, Overbrook, Nortonville, Blue Rapids, Carbondale, Minneapolis, Valley Falls, Frankfort, Grantville, Garnett, Burlington, Alta Vista, McFarland, Abilene, Lyndon, Sabetha, Clifton, Seneca, Wamego, Linn, Clay Center, Meriden, Concordia, St. Marys, Eskridge, Lebo, Hanover, Oskaloosa, Greenleaf, Maple Hill, Washington, Council Grove, Herington, Horton, Osage City, Bennington, Paxico, Holton, Alma, Harveyville, Hiawatha, and Perry. Residents in these areas should monitor the latest weather forecasts for updates.
