By OLIVIA BERGMEIER
Salina Post
The Wichita National Weather Service predicts that much of central and southeast Kansas will experience a wintery mix of weather this weekend.
According to Wichita National Service meteorologist Eric Metzger, it would be the fifth year this part of the state sees winter weather during late October.
Metzger said that there is a 60% chance that Salinans will see winter weather this weekend.
"With a cold shot like this, with temperatures dropping as fast as they are, the main issue will be bridges and elevated surfaces," Metzger said. "So they will freeze, and they'll freeze quickly."
Most roads won't freeze this weekend due to residual ground heat from warmer days in the season — Metzger said there still may be icy spots from the expected snow and rain mix.
Slowing down on slick roads is recommended to stay safe while driving in adverse weather.
"Once they come up to a bridge, an elevated overpass, or anything like that, they need to slow down and take the foot off the gas," Metzger said. "So long as power is not going to the wheels, you really help yourself out on being able to maintain traction. But that's not a guarantee. If you hit a good slug of ice, even if you're coasting, you can still slide."