UPDATE 11 a.m. Tuesday: The National Weather Service has updated its snow and wind chill maps for our area. The updated maps are below.
By SALINA POST
Dangerous cold with treacherous travel is in our future later this week.
According to the National Weather Service, accumulating, blowing, and drifting snow will be possible beginning late Wednesday night. Travel impacts are likely with very low visibility possible with sustained winds of 30+ mph and wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph.
Travel is not recommended.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Go to kandrive.org for updates on highway conditions
Additionally, dangerous wind chills of 20 to 50 degrees below zero are expected from early Thursday morning through Friday, the National Weather Service noted. Be sure to avoid any outdoor activity and cover exposed skin if outdoor activity is necessary.
READ: CDC: Prevent hypothermia, frostbite this winter
READ: K-State veterinarian offers cold weather pet care tips
Because of the impending winter storm, winter storm watches, as well as a wind chill warning and wind chill watches have been issued for our area.
Winter storm watches
The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a winter storm watch in effect from late Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon for the following counties in our area.
Ellsworth County
Lincoln County
Marion County
McPherson County
Saline County
According to the weather service, there is a potential for snow and blowing snow. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.
Plan on difficult travel conditions with blowing snow which could significantly reduce visibility and drift across roadways. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Blowing and drifting snow will continue after the snow has fallen given gusty winds.
Consider adjusting any travel plans if you have any during this timeframe.
The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a winter storm watch in effect from late Wednesday night through Thursday evening for the following counties in our area.
Clay County
Cloud County
Dickinson County
Ottawa County
Republic County
Heavy snow and blizzard conditions. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are possible. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph.
Any travel from Thursday night through Friday evening is strongly discouraged due to blizzard conditions.
The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter storm watch in effect from Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon for the following counties in our area.
Jewell County
Mitchell County
Blizzard conditions are possible, especially late Wednesday night through Thursday morning. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected. A light ice glaze of ice could accumulate later Wednesday afternoon and evening prior to the snow. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph at times.
Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.
Wind chill warning
The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a wind chill warning in effect from 12 a.m. Thursday to noon Saturday for the following counties in our area.
Jewell County
Mitchell County
Dangerously cold wind chills are expected. Wind chills may reach as low as 50 below zero.
This is an exceptionally cold period, especially from late Wednesday night through Saturday. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Avoid outside activities if possible.
Wind chill watches
The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a wind chill watch in effect from late Wednesday night through Friday morning for the following counties in our area.
Ellsworth County
Lincoln County
Marion County
McPherson County
Saline County
Dangerously cold wind chills are possible, with values as low as 40 below zero forecast.
The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a wind chill watch in effect from Thursday morning through Friday morning for the following counties in our area.
Clay County
Cloud County
Dickinson County
Ottawa County
Republic County
Wind chills as low as 40 below zero are forecast.
Extremely dangerous wind chills will cause frostbite within minutes. If you leave the safety of being indoors, you are putting your life at risk.