A major winter storm is set to blanket parts of Kansas with up to 9 inches of snow by Wednesday evening, creating hazardous travel conditions and prompting officials to declare a state of disaster emergency. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Winter Storm Warnings across several regions, with residents urged to prepare for severe weather impacts.
Heavy Snowfall and Timing
The storm is expected to begin on Tuesday evening, intensifying overnight and continuing through Wednesday afternoon. The heaviest snowfall is predicted to hit during the early hours of Wednesday, potentially affecting both the morning and evening commutes.
Cities such as Topeka, Lawrence, and parts of the Kansas City metro area could see snow accumulations ranging between 5 and 9 inches. Areas further south and west may experience slightly less snowfall, but travel is expected to be challenging across much of the state.
Winter Storm Warnings and Affected Areas
The NWS has issued Winter Storm Warnings effective from Tuesday evening through Wednesday night for several counties across east-central and northeast Kansas, including cities like Topeka and Kansas City.
Residents in these areas should prepare for snow-packed roads, reduced visibility, and icy conditions. Power outages are also possible due to the combination of heavy snow and gusty winds.
Governor Declares State of Emergency
To help mitigate the storm’s impact, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has declared a state of disaster emergency, enabling the state to deploy additional resources and assistance to affected areas. Governor Kelly emphasized the importance of preparing early and urged residents to stock up on essentials such as food, water, flashlights, and batteries.
“We are taking proactive steps to ensure that Kansans are safe,” Kelly said in a statement. “Please avoid unnecessary travel and stay informed through weather updates.”
Travel Warnings and Safety Tips
Officials are warning against unnecessary travel during the storm, as snow-covered roads and poor visibility will make driving conditions extremely dangerous. For those who must travel, safety officials recommend:
- Keeping an emergency kit in the car with essentials such as blankets, food, water, and a phone charger
- Informing someone of your route and expected arrival time
- Ensuring vehicles are fully fueled
What’s Next?
Forecasters are also monitoring the possibility of another winter system following closely behind this storm, bringing additional snow or ice later in the week. Meteorologists are urging residents to stay tuned to local weather updates as conditions evolve.
This winter storm is part of a larger weather system affecting much of the central and eastern U.S., with millions of Americans facing snow, ice, and bitter cold over the coming days. For now, Kansans are advised to remain cautious and prioritize safety as the state prepares for a long stretch of wintry weather.