Weather forecasters predict snow in Kansas. But how much, when and where are unknown
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Kansas are predicting snow in the state this weekend. But how much, when and where are unknown as the winter storm approaches.
In Wichita, the NWS forecast as of Thursday night called for the chance of snow to start at 20% after midnight Sunday morning. The low temperature will be around 24 degrees. There is a 40% chance for snow during the day, changing to a chance for snow and freezing rain after 3 p.m. with a high temperature of around 33 degrees.
There is a 60% chance of precipitation in the form of snow and freezing rain Sunday night into Monday morning. The low will be around 22 degrees. Daytime Monday has a 40% chance for precipitation and a high of around 32 degrees.
Snow and cold temperatures are also predicted by National Weather Service offices in Topeka, Goodland and Dodge City.
In a statement posted to Twitter, weather forecasters at the NWS office in Dodge City explained that more specific details are not yet available because the storm is too far out to accurately predict.
“This storm system is currently over the Pacific Ocean and the track could and most likely will change as it finally swings out across Kansas,” the statement read. “... We understand your frustration for winter planning purposes, but it is simply too early to give an exact snowfall forecast amount for a specific location.”
A snowfall prediction will likely be made Friday or Saturday as the storm system moves inland and is sampled by scientific instruments, meteorologists said.
Forecasters with the NWS Wichita office said on Twitter that Saturday is expected to be a “great travel day,” but Sunday and Monday are both likely to be affected by the storm. Sunday morning snowfall “may not be too bad” as people head to church or elsewhere, meteorologists said. Snow accumulation could impact commutes to work and school Monday morning.
Road conditions, snowplows and closings
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management encourages travelers to prepare a home emergency kit that includes food, water, medications, extra clothing, flashlights and batteries, battery-operated NOAA weather radio and other necessities. When traveling during winter storms, fill the fuel tank, charge your cellphone and bring an emergency kit, the state agency advises.
Internet users can follow the paths of Wichita snowplows at www.wichita.gov/PWU/Pages/SnowRemoval.aspx.
Drivers can check Kansas highway road conditions at www.kandrive.org/kandrive. Kansas Department of Transportation statewide highway traffic cameras and Wichita cameras are also available online.
If you know of a closing, cancellation or postponement because of the snowstorm, please email details to The Wichita Eagle at online@wichitaeagle.com.