With a Winter Weather Advisory in effect Tuesday morning, schools were closed and Sheriff Brian Bellendir announced that Barton County was experiencing moderate to heavy snowfall, leading to treacherous road conditions.
With more snow possible, schools announced they would be closed again on Wednesday.
Bellendir said BCSO officers monitored the weather Monday night and reported approximately 5 inches of snowfall by Tuesday morning. Increased wind speed later in the day caused drifting, as expected.

By late afternoon Tuesday, the National Weather Service office in Wichita reported, Great Bend had received 6.5 inches of snow. Hoisington had received 5.5 inches and Galatia had received 6. In Hutchinson, the total snowfall was 9.5 inches.


“Deputies are also reporting 100 percent snowpack on all roads in Barton County. The icy conditions are making driving hazardous,” Bellendir said.
“We’ve had a few slide-offs, but no injuries,” the sheriff told the Great Bend Tribune. He noted that two semitrailers had jackknifed during the day, one on K-96 and one on K-156.
The sheriff noted that state and county crews had been working since early Tuesday morning in an effort to keep roads clear.
“The Sheriff’s Office is monitoring weather reports and road conditions and will keep the public informed,” Bellendir stated in a news release. “Due to the hazardous road conditions and the extreme cold temperatures, motorists are advised to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary. If you do travel, make sure you have extra clothes and blankets in your vehicle and you have a full tank of gas prior to leaving.
“Due to the cold temperatures predicted for the next several days road conditions may not improve,” Bellendir continued. “Motorists are advised to call the Kansas Department of Transportation 511 number to obtain the most current road conditions throughout the state of Kansas. Please do not call 911 for routine road information.”

More snow possible
According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday should be mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 7. Wind chill values will be as low as -19. North winds of 11 to 17 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 26  mph, were also predicted.
A 20-percent chance of snow lingers until after midnight. Skies will be mostly cloudy, with a low around -4. Wind chill values as low as -16 and a north wind at about 6 to 10 mph.
Come Thursday, there is a 40-percent chance of snow as it remains cloudy and cold, with a high near 8. North northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Thursday night, there is a 20-percent chance of snow. It will remain mostly cloudy, with a low around 0.
In fact, according to the NWS, a chance of snow, gusty winds and single-digit temperatures will hand around through Saturday.