UPDATE 5:41 p.m. Sunday: The winter storm watches have been dropped and McPherson and Dickinson counties have been moved to winter weather advisories.
UPDATE: Ellsworth and Saline counties are now under a winter storm warning. See info below.
A powerful winter storm is expected to impact much of central and northern Kansas late tonight through Monday, and with it brings a variety of watches and warnings.
For road conditions, go to kandrive.org or call 5-1-1 or 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).
Highest snow totals are expected along and north of Interstate 70 where between 8 and 12 inches will be possible, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Further south, up to a tenth inch of ice will be possible along with snow.
Travel is highly discouraged late tonight and especially Monday across central and northern Kansas.
Winter storm warnings
NWS in Wichita has issued a winter storm warning in effect from midnight tonight to 6 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.
Ellsworth County
Saline County
Heavy snow is expected with potential for a wintry mix early in the event. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches with locally higher amounts possible and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch are forecast.
Winds will pick up during the morning to sustained speeds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts near 30 mph.
Snow packed roads and blowing snow could make travel very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commutes. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
NWS in Wichita has issued a winter storm warning in effect from midnight tonight to 6 p.m. Monday for Lincoln County.
Heavy snow with total snow accumulations of 6 to 9 inches is forecast.
Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
MWS in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter storm warning in effect from midnight tonight through 3 a.m. Tuesday for the following counties in our area.
Jewell County
Mitchell County
Heavy snow expected, possibly preceded by a brief period of freezing drizzle. Total snow accumulations of generally 6 to 11 inches, with the highest amounts focused south and east of the Nebraska Tri Cities, NWS noted. Ice accumulations of a light glaze. Northerly winds during the majority of falling snow will average 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to around 30 mph, so at least some minor drifting is likely.
Any light icing from freezing drizzle should mainly occur before sunrise Monday, as precipitation first gets underway. The majority of the snow, and the heaviest intensity, will then occur during the daytime hours Monday before decreasing in intensity Monday evening into the overnight hours. Please note that snow may not end completely Monday night, as very light snow or flurries could linger beyond the end time of this warning. In addition, please note that this Warning does not include a weaker storm system that could bring a few more inches of snow to parts of the area mainly Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night.
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
NWS in Topeka has issued a winter storm warning in effect from 3 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.
Clay County
Cloud County
Ottawa County
Republic County
Heavy snow, is possibly mixed with freezing drizzle. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 9 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze are forecast.
Freezing drizzle may occur very early Monday morning before transitioning to all snow before sunrise. The heaviest snow is expected to occur during the daytime hours on Monday, tapering off Monday evening.
Travel could be very difficult and treacherous. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commutes. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Winter weather advisory
NWS in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 3 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday that includes Dickinson County.
Mixed precipitation is expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 6 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze are now forecast.
Northeast to north winds gusting up to 30 mph could also cause some blowing snow.
Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly in winter weather situations, slow down and allow extra time when traveling. practice your winter safety rules, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your car in case of an emergency.
NWS in Wichita has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from midnight tonight to 6 p.m. Monday for the following counties in our area.
Marion County
McPherson County
Mixed precipitation is expected. Total snow accumulations from a trace to 3 inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch are forecast.
Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.