UPDATED 7 a.m. Friday. The forecast has changed again. Please see NWS: Winter weather warnings, advisories for our area.
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UPDATED 9:42 p.m. Thursday: The National Weather Service (NWS) has updated the winter weather forecast for counties in our area.
In addition to the winter storm watch for Marion County (see original story below, NWS in Topeka has issued a winter storm watch from Friday afternoon through Friday evening for the following counties in our area.
Clay County
Cloud County
Dickinson County
Ottawa County
Republic County
According to NWS in Topeka, a strong storm system will approach the region late tonight into Friday with rainfall overspreading much of northeast and east central Kansas. Temperatures will rapidly fall during the afternoon and evening hours Friday, transitioning precipitation to a wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet. All precipitation is expected to transition to snow by sunrise Saturday morning, with periods of moderate to heavy snow continuing through Saturday afternoon.
Heavy mixed precipitation is possible. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches and ice accumulations of approximately one tenth of an inch are possible. Locally higher snow and ice amounts are likely. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.
Additionally, NWS in Wichita has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from noon Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday for the following counties in our area.
Ellsworth County
Lincoln County
McPherson County
Saline County
Mixed precipitation is expected. Total snow accumulations of up to two inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze are possible. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph are expected.
Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.
NWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 9 a.m. Friday to midnight Saturday for the following counties in our area.
Mitchell County
Jewell County
Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected, with winds gusting as high as 35 mph.
Light snow will develop late morning into midday, then become moderate intensity, at times, Friday afternoon, accompanied by gusty north winds. A brief period of sleet is possible around Beloit in the early afternoon. Snow will quickly taper off Friday evening, but continued gusty winds may cause patchy blowing snow overnight.
Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow could reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.
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The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wichita has issued a winter storm watch for counties southeast of Saline County, including Marion County.
According to NWS, the winter storm watch is in effect from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon.
Heavy mixed precipitation is possible. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches and light ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch are possible. Winds could gust as high as 35 or 40 mph, NWS noted.
Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. According to NWS, rain will transition to a wintry mix across portions of central Kansas on Friday afternoon outside of the winter storm watch area. This could result in slick roads and travel delays.