‘Ice will accumulate on cars, even while driving,’ NWS Wichita warns of winter storm
Weather forecasters are predicting a winter storm moving through the region will cause vehicles to become icy, even while being driven.
The National Weather Service office in Wichita issued a winter weather advisory for its service area, which includes parts of central, south-central and southeast Kansas. The advisory runs from 8 p.m. Thursday to noon Friday.
“Slick roads, parking lots, and sidewalks are expected,” NWS meteorologists said in the advisory. “Ice will accumulate on cars, even while driving. Scattered power outages and minor tree damage possible. The Friday morning commute will be impacted.
“If temperatures stay below freezing longer, the impacts from ice could end up worse, so stay tuned for updates.”
A wintry mix of precipitation is expected to lead to total ice accumulations of up to two-tenths of an inch across the region. Snow accumulations are predicted to be between a dusting and half an inch. Wind gusts will be as high as 40 mph.
The NWS forecast for Wichita, as of Thursday evening, predicts snow and sleet mixed with freezing rain is likely to fall before 11 p.m. The wintry mix will transition to freezing rain overnight with a low temperature of around 28 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 100%.
While little or no snow and sleet accumulation is expected, nighttime ice accumulation is expected to be between one-tenth and three-tenths of an inch.
Friday also has a 100% chance for precipitation, according to weather service predictions. The forecast states that the day will start with freezing rain changing to rain around 9 a.m. with a daytime high of around 40 degrees. New ice accumulation could be as high as one-tenth of an inch.
The rain is expected to end before 9 p.m., and the overnight low will be around 31 degrees.
The NWS hazardous weather outlook also predicts another opportunity for wintry precipitation later next week.
How to check Kansas road conditions
Drivers can check a map of Kansas highway weather safety conditions at www.kandrive.org/kandrive. Kansas Department of Transportation statewide highway traffic cameras and Wichita cameras are also available online.
Internet users can also follow the paths of Wichita snowplows at www.wichita.gov/PWU/Pages/SnowRemoval.aspx.
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.
If you know of a closing, cancellation or postponement because of the snowstorm, please email details to The Wichita Eagle at online@wichitaeagle.com. Weather-related photos and videos can be submitted to The Eagle online at www.kansas.com/customer-service/submit-photo/.
This story was originally published January 16, 2020 at 6:09 PM.