Winter storm dumps snow in parts of Kansas
The latest on winter weather in Kansas (all times local):
4:18 p.m.
A winter storm began dumping snow on parts of Kansas on Tuesday, causing slide-offs and some schools to cancel evening activities.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for portions of south-central and north-central Kansas, including Kingman, Hutchinson, McPherson and Salina, where 4 to 6 inches of snow are possible through Wednesday morning. The remainder of the state, excluding extreme southwest Kansas, is under a Winter Weather Advisory. Between 3 and 5 inches of snow are expected in the Wichita area.
The Emergency Accident Reporting Plan is in effect for Wichita, Goddard and Hutchinson.
While EARP is in effect for Wichita, police say that if you are involved in a non-injury accident, exchange information with the other driver involved and you can fill out an accident report at the nearest QuikTrip, Kwik Shop, online at http://wichitapolice.com , on the WPD APP, or at any police station from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
All of Reno County has gone to the emergency reporting system for accidents, per Chief Hooper and Sheriff Henderson. If involved in accident, please exchange information with the other party. If the vehicles are not drivable or if there is alcohol involved then still call 911.
— Hutchinson Police (@HutchPD) February 19, 2019
Moderate snow could reduce visibility while traffic volume will be high in metro Wichita. The snow will gradually taper during the overnight hours and is expected to completely exit the state by early Wednesday morning.
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday will bring what may be the very best chance of accumulating snow we’ve seen in Wichita this season so far.
A large, upper level trough swinging across the Western United States will draw up moisture from the south and provide ample lift for snow creation on Tuesday.
The winter storm takes aim on KAKEland Tuesday with very light snow possible during the morning hours across Western Kansas. South Central Kansas will see the snow invade between 2 and 4 p.m. Through the afternoon, snow is expected to increase in intensity and coverage across the eastern 2/3 of the state of Kansas. While Western Kansas will likely see some snow on Tuesday, at this time it appears that accumulation west of US-83 will be fairly light.
Snow will continue for North and South Central Kansas through the afternoon and will likely lead a slow and sloppy evening commute. Moderate snow could reduce visibility while traffic volume will be high in metro Wichita. The snow will gradually taper during the overnight hours and is expected to completely exit the state by early Wednesday morning.
When it is all said and done a large swath of Kansas will be blanketed with 3” to 5” of snowfall. Wichita, Hutchinson and McPherson are included in this area. The lowest totals will likely be across Western Kansas where most communities will see less than 3” of accumulation.
Untreated roads will likely turn slick across KAKEland with the greatest concern being the evening commute on Tuesday. The return of some sunshine on Wednesday and high temperatures close to freezing should help clear up snow packed roads.
Check Wichita road conditions at WichWay.org, snow plow routes here, and check road conditions across the state at KanDrive.org.
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