Heavy sleet created hazardous driving conditions at midday Thursday in central Kansas.
For the most part, drivers slowed their speed and stayed on the roadway. Dispatchers in Pawnee and Stafford counties reported no traffic accidents or rollovers.
The worst road conditions at midday were reported near Ellsworth, where all roads were completely ice covered — K-14 north, K-14 south to K-4, K-156 from Great Bend and K-140 eastbound.
Other reported slippery spots were 1-70 from Salina to Wakeeney; U.S. 56 from Pawnee Rock to Kinsley; K-4 west of Hoisington and all highways near Hutchinson.
The precipitation had moved to the east and at 5 p.m., U.S. 56 from McPherson to Great Bend was reported with slush.
Overnight, more snow and sleet is likely in Barton County, possibly mixed with freezing drizzle before 9 p.m. Snow and sleet is forecast between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. before turning to snow after 3 a.m.
An overnight low is forecast to be 17 degrees. North winds are forecast from 20 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent. Nighttime snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Friday’s forecast calls for a high of 30 degrees with a 50 percent chance of snow, mainly before 3 p.m. North winds from 11 to 18 mph are forecast with gusts to 28 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
At Dodge City, there was an 80 percent chance of additional snow. Wind chill values were forecast as low as 4 degrees with north winds from 18 to 22 mph. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible
The worst accident was reported in Greeley County overnight when two Tribune men were killed in an accident near their hometown. The accident was reported on Road 17 at 2 a.m. Thursday.
A pickup truck driven by Christopher Jones left the roadway, struck a power pole then rolled more than two times, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Jones, 25, died in the crash. Matthew Bender, 27, a passenger, also died. Christy Hopkins of Tribune, was transported to Greeley County Hospital. The patrol indicated no one  was using a seat belt.