A major winter storm is poised to impact a large portion of Kansas and Missouri, bringing heavy snow and potentially crippling travel conditions. Multiple Winter Storm Warnings are in effect, covering a wide range of counties and cities.
Central, South Central, and Southeast Kansas:
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from midnight tonight to 6 AM CST Wednesday for Saline, McPherson, Marion, Chase, Harvey, Butler, Greenwood, Woodson, Allen, Sedgwick, Cowley, Elk, Wilson, Neosho, Chautauqua, Montgomery, and Labette counties. This includes cities like Newton, Iola, Winfield, Wichita, El Dorado, Parsons, and Coffeyville. Snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches are expected, with winds gusting up to 35 mph.
North Central, Northeast, and East Central Kansas:
A separate Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 6 PM this evening to midnight CST Tuesday night for Cloud, Clay, Riley, Pottawatomie, Jackson, Jefferson, Ottawa, Dickinson, Geary, Morris, Wabaunsee, Shawnee, Douglas, Lyon, Osage, Franklin, Coffey, and Anderson counties. This includes Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Emporia, Ottawa, and Junction City. Snowfall totals of 5 to 7 inches are predicted, with higher amounts of 6 to 9 inches possible along and south of the I-35 corridor.
Northeast Kansas and Western Missouri:
Leavenworth, Wyandotte, and Johnson counties in Kansas, along with Platte, Clay, Jackson, Lafayette counties in Missouri are under a Winter Storm Warning from midnight tonight to 3 AM CST Wednesday. This includes Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, and Independence. Expect 5 to 7 inches of snow.
East Central Kansas and Central/West Central Missouri:
Miami and Linn counties in Kansas, and Cass, Johnson, Pettis, Cooper, Bates, and Henry counties in Missouri are also under a Winter Storm Warning from midnight tonight to 3 AM CST Wednesday. Expect heavier snowfall in this area, with 6 to 10 inches predicted. Cities affected include Paola, Harrisonville, Warrensburg, and Butler.
Southeast Kansas and Central/Southern Missouri:
An even more significant Winter Storm Warning is in effect from midnight Monday night to 6 AM CST Wednesday for Bourbon, Crawford, Cherokee counties in Southeast Kansas and a large swathe of Missouri. This includes much of central, east central, south central, southwest, and west central Missouri. Snowfall totals are expected to be between 6 and 10 inches across most of the area, with locally higher amounts up to 14 inches possible. Winds of 20-30 mph, especially along the I-49 corridor, could lead to blowing and drifting snow, and visibilities may drop below a quarter mile.
Travel Impacts and Precautions:
The winter storm is expected to create extremely hazardous travel conditions across the affected regions. Roads, bridges, and overpasses will likely become slick and dangerous. The timing of the storm is particularly concerning, as it will impact both the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. In some areas, travel could become near impossible.
Authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions. If travel is unavoidable, motorists should keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles in case of emergency. For the latest road conditions in Kansas, dial 511 or visit KanDrive.gov. Missouri residents can visit traveler.modot.org or call 1-888-275-6636. In the areas expecting the heaviest snow, officials are recommending that people consider delaying all travel if possible and prepare a winter storm kit for their vehicles.
