Although recent days of warm weather have given Kansans a taste of spring, winter is not over and the public is reminded to keep themselves prepared for winter storms.
Another major winter storm will move into the state Friday night, bringing a rain and drizzle mix that will transition to snow early Saturday in some areas. National Weather Service reports indicate counties along the Oklahoma border are expected to receive light, blowing snow. Snowfall totals by Sunday morning will range from six to seven inches near I-70 and north, five inches in the Dodge City/Garden City areas, to one to two inches in counties near the Colorado border. Winds will be a major issue with this storm with winds of 25-30 mph Saturday afternoon into Saturday night, decreasing to 15 mph by Sunday morning.
“Be prepared by re-checking your home and auto emergency kits,” said Angee Morgan, deputy director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. “Replenish any supplies you may have used because of earlier storms. Although the overall effects of this storm may not be as severe as the one that hit us in February, we are urging everyone to be prepared in case of power outages and to use caution when traveling. Check your local forecast for conditions in your area and along any travel routes.”
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will monitor weather conditions and provide updates to the public as the situation warrants.
Current projections from the National Weather Service report Northeast Kansas may receive four to eight inches of snow accompanied by winds of 15-20 mph, which may result in reduced visibility. Snow is expected to begin Saturday morning and peak between 2 p.m. that afternoon and 6 a.m. Sunday.
Weather officials say two to four inches of snow is predicted for Southeast Kansas with winds around 20 mph. Central Kansas may see snowfalls of two to five inches and northwestern counties may receive 10 to 12 inches with winds of 15-30 mph.