Slushy snow and water will refreeze on Wichita roads and sidewalks overnight, NWS says

The snow and rain that has fallen across central Kansas on Wednesday is expected to refreeze on roads and sidewalks overnight, meteorologists say.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service office in Wichita said in a Wednesday afternoon update to the hazardous weather outlook that light snow will continue before colder temperatures arrive.

“This will support a flash freeze across the region, as slushy snow and water refreezes on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots,” weather service officials wrote. “Watch for icy spots. Wind chills will dip below zero after midnight across much of the area.”

The sub-freezing temperatures come after several inches of snow fell across the region. As of Wednesday afternoon, NWS local storm reports showed snowfall amounts of 4 inches in Marion, 3 inches in McPherson and Valley Center, 2.5 inches in El Dorado and 2 inches in Salina and Wichita.

The hazardous weather outlook and winter weather advisory predict the colder air moving into the area will be accompanied by gusty north winds of around 40 mph. Travel impacts include Wednesday night, when drivers should plan for slippery road conditions, especially on untreated surfaces. A refreezing of the wet slush could impact the Thursday morning commute.

In Wichita specifically, the NWS forecast calls for rain and snow showers to gradually clear Wednesday evening, but the low temperature will be around 13 degrees with a wind chill value as low as negative 2 degrees.

Thursday’s high temperature in the city will be near 24 degrees, but wind chill values will be as low as negative 4 degrees.

This story was originally published February 12, 2020 at 3:42 PM.