UPDATE 6:10 p.m. Thursday: Mitchell County has been added to a blizzard warning. The information has been updated below.
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UPDATE 2:30 p.m. Thursday: Ellsworth and Lincoln counties have been moved to a blizzard warning. Additionally, information about the winter weather advisories has changed and more counties have been added. Information has been updated below.
By SALINA POST
Winter weather advisories and a winter storm watch have been issued for counties in our area.
Slow down and use caution while traveling. For road conditions, go to kandrive.org or call 5-1-1 or 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).
Blizzard warning
The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a blizzard warning in effect from 9 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.
Ellsworth County
Lincoln County
Blizzard conditions are expected, with total snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches, although locally higher amounts are possible. Strong north winds will gust up to 50 mph. The heaviest snowfall will likely fall during the overnight hours.
Plan on near-whiteout conditions at times due to strong winds combined with falling and blowing snow. Dangerous travel conditions are likely, and will impact the morning commute. Strong winds combined with the heavy wet snow could bring down tree branches.
Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a blizzard warning in effect from 9 p.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. Friday that includes Mitchell County.
Blizzard conditions are expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are expected, with locally higher amounts possible. North winds gusting 35 to 45 mph are forecast.
Rain is forecast to change to snow after sunset, and become heavy, at times, overnight. Peak snow rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible for several hours, and would be enough to overwhelm near-freezing surface temperatures. The combination of heavy snow rates and strong north winds will likely lead to significant reductions in visibility down to whiteout conditions during the heaviest snow. Snow will mostly end by dawn Friday morning, but lingering effects will likely slow the morning commute. Elevated and grassy surfaces, along with bridges, will see the highest snowfall accumulations.
Plan on slippery road conditions. Heavy snow and blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Gusty winds and heavy, wet nature of the snow could bring down tree branches.
Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.
Winter weather advisories
The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 9 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.
McPherson County
Saline County
Wet snow is expected, with total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Winds are forecast to gust as high as 50 mph.
While most of the snow accumulation will be on grassy surfaces, roads and highways could become slushy, slick, and hazardous. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.
The National Weather Service in Hastings, Neb., has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 9 p.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.
Jewell County
Wet snow is expected, with total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Winds are forecast to gust as high as 40 mph.
There is still some uncertainty with temperatures through the evening and overnight hours and their impact on the switch from rain to snow, which would affect snowfall amounts. The highest amounts are likely to occur in a narrow band, and there is some uncertainty with exactly where that band will set up.
Plan on slippery road conditions. Visibility may be affected by the combination of falling snow and gusty winds. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning commute. Slow down and use caution while traveling.
The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday for the following counties in our area.
Cloud County
Ottawa County
Republic County
Wet snow is expected. Near blizzard conditions are possible. Total snow accumulations of up to 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.
Plan on poor visibility with the potential for slick roads. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Slow down and use caution while traveling.