SMITH CENTER, Kan. – A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for counties along and south of the Kansas/Nebraska state border, impacting a wide area including cities like Smith Center, Blue Hill, Jewell, and Red Cloud. The warning, issued by the National Weather Service, is in effect from 6 PM this evening to 6 PM CST Wednesday.
The affected area spans several counties in both Kansas and Nebraska, including Phillips, Smith, Jewell, Rooks, Osborne, Mitchell, Furnas, Harlan, Franklin, Webster, Nuckolls, and Thayer. Communities such as Kensington, Codell, Franklin, Beloit, Hebron, Burr Oak, Deshler, Downs, Inavale, Arapahoe, Bellaire, Cambridge, Alma, Nelson, Osborne, Mankato, Ionia, Phillipsburg, Hollinger, Bladen, Hildreth, Orleans, Campbell, Bostwick, Stockton, Rosemont, Oxford, Superior, Plainville, and Beaver City are all within the warning zone.
Moderate to heavy snow is expected, with total accumulations between 6 and 8 inches. The majority of the snow is forecast to fall between 9 PM Tuesday and noon Wednesday, and is expected to be dry and fluffy. While sustained winds are not expected to exceed 15 to 20 mph, gusts up to 25 mph are possible. Winds will shift from northeasterly to northerly.
The National Weather Service warns that roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous, making travel very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact both the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.
Residents are strongly encouraged to delay all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, motorists should drive with extreme caution and consider taking a winter storm kit. This kit should include items such as tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, shovel, blankets, extra clothing, water, a first aid kit, and other survival supplies. Up-to-date road conditions can be obtained by calling 511.