Have to go out in the snow? Here’s how to check Kansas road conditions in real-time
Wichitans woke up to a snowy day Tuesday, with more precipitation in the forecast later this week.
The cold weather will continue Thursday through Sunday, due to an arctic air mass making its way through the region. The arctic air mass is expected to bring wind chills as low as minus 20 degrees to Wichita.
As of 6 a.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service measured 3 inches of snow at Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, and snowfall continued through 8 a.m.
Several schools in the area, including Wichita Public Schools, canceled classes to keep people off the roads. Wichita State University, meanwhile, changed to all-remote operations, with only critical campus staff required to report.
While it’s safest to stay off slick, icy roads, some will have to travel. We’ve put together a list of ways to check road conditions near you as you plan your route.
How to monitor Kansas road conditions near you
The website KanDrive.org, a state website, is updated throughout the day with the latest conditions of Kansas roadways. Additionally, you can also check live camera footage to see what it roads look like in real-time.
For example, as of just after 7 a.m., Kellogg between 143rd Street and U.S. 77 near Augusta was reported to be completely covered in snow.
The website has several options to look at aside from snowy conditions, including accidents and construction. To view just inclement weather conditions, click “winter driving.” When clicking roads on the map, live footage should appear below the report to allow you to see a view of the roadway in real-time.
Additionally, the Kansas Department of Transportation has been sharing updates on road conditions across the state on its social media accounts. You can see updates on X, formerly Twitter, by following @KDOTHQ and Facebook at facebook.com/KSDOTHQ.
Where are Wichita’s snow plows?
You can check to see the route of Wichita snow plows by looking at the city’s online snow plow map.
The map shows what snow plows are on city roads in real-time, as well as what streets have already received treatment.
The snow plow map could also be a fun activity for those staying inside, as you can see not only snow plows working near you, but also their fun names, including Blizzard Wizard, Edward Blizzardhands and No More Mr. Ice Guy.
The city’s inclement weather plan prioritizes the first 1,500 emergency routes emergency facilities, major arteries, hospitals and schools. The city does not treat state highways and residential streets.
This story was originally published January 9, 2024 at 11:01 AM.
