UPDATE 12:15 Wednesday: The National Weather Service in Wichita has moved Ellsworth, Lincoln, Marion, McPherson, and Saline counties to a winter weather advisory. Details below.
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UPDATE 7:30 a.m. Wednesday: The National Weather Service has moved Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Ottawa, and Republic counties to a winter storm warning. Details below.
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By SALINA POST
A fiercely cold winter storm is bearing down on Kansas, bringing with it snow and strong winds beginning Wednesday evening.
The National Weather Service has updated the forecast to include wind chill warnings for the entire state, and winter storm watches and a winter weather advisory for counties in our area.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
READ: Weather-related delays, closings, changes
READ: CDC: Prevent hypothermia, frostbite this winter
READ: K-State veterinarian offers cold weather pet care tips
Wind chill warnings
The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a wind chill warning in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 1 p.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.
Ellsworth County
Lincoln County
Marion County
McPherson County
Saline County
Dangerously cold wind chills are expected. Wind chills as low as 35 below zero are forecast.
The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a wind chill warning in effect from 12 a.m. Thursday to noon Friday for the following counties in our area.
Clay County
Cloud County
Dickinson County
Ottawa County
Republic County
Dangerously cold wind chills are expected. Wind chills as low as 40 below zero are forecast.
The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a wind chill warning in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to noon Saturday for the following counties in our area.
Jewell County
Mitchell County
Dangerously cold wind chills are expected. Wind chills as low as 50 below zero are forecast.
There is high confidence that this will be 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. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
Go to kandrive.org for updates on highway conditions
Winter storm warning
The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a winter storm warning in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 12 a.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.
Clay County
Cloud County
Dickinson County
Ottawa County
Republic County
Snow with near-blizzard conditions is expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches, with wind gusts as high as 45 mph, are forecast.
Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy, blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility with near-blizzard conditions at times. The hazardous conditions will 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. Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
Winter weather advisories
The National Weather Service in Wichita has moved the following counties to a winter weather advisory.
Ellsworth County
Lincoln County
Marion County
McPherson County
Saline County
The advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday.
Snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of between 1 and 2 inches are forecast. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph will cause blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Plan on slippery road conditions. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.
The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from noon Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday for the following counties in our area.
Jewell County
Mitchell County
Mixed precipitation is expected. A light glaze of ice is possible Wednesday afternoon before snowfall begins later in the day. Total snow accumulations of one to three inches and ice accumulations of up to a couple of hundredths of an inch are possible. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are expected.
Plan on slippery road conditions. Blowing snow could also significantly reduce visibility...possibly below one-quarter of a mile at times Wednesday evening and night. These hazardous weather conditions will impact driving.
Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
Slow down and use caution while traveling.