Saline County Emergency Management
The National Weather Service in Wichita reports an Arctic outbreak and winter weather will impact Saline County beginning Friday and continuing through Monday morning, bringing dangerous cold, hazardous travel conditions, and accumulating snow.
Arctic air is expected to move into the area early Friday morning and persist through the weekend, with dangerous wind chills between -10°F and -20°F likely from Friday morning through Monday morning. The coldest conditions are expected during the overnight and early morning hours.
Snow is expected to begin late Friday afternoon or Friday evening and continue through Saturday night, with slick roads and hazardous travel possible. While higher snowfall totals are more likely south of Saline County, confidence is high that snow will affect the area. Travel impacts are expected due to reduced visibility, slick roads, and prolonged cold conditions.
A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday night, and an Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for the entire forecast area through Monday morning. Confidence is high in the timing and severity of the cold, with medium confidence in exact snowfall amounts due to potential shifts in the heaviest snow band.
Click here to view the full packet of the upcoming severe weather
What You Need to Know
- Wind chills of -10°F to -20°F expected from Friday through Monday mornings.
- Snow possible from late Friday through Saturday night.
- Hazardous travel conditions likely, especially overnight and early mornings.
- Cold-related risks increase for people, pets, and livestock.
STAY SAFE:
- Dress in layers and limit time outdoors, especially during morning hours
- Bring pets indoors and ensure livestock have shelter from wind and cold
- Check on neighbors who may need assistance
- Avoid unnecessary travel. If you must travel, slow down and leave extra space between vehicles.
- Expect slick spots on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads.
- Clear ice and snow from windows, mirrors, and lights before traveling.
- Avoid cruise control on snowy or icy surfaces.
- Carry a small winter emergency kit: blanket, flashlight, ice scraper, and charger.