The winter storm warning for the next few days has many Kansas Citians planning to stay home.
But what if you have no place to call home?
The forecast in Kansas City is dangerous for the homeless living on the streets and in encampments.
Shelter KC in Kansas City, Missouri, is preparing to handle increasing numbers of people seeking shelter from this miserable weather. Additional emergency beds are available, and Shelter KC works with the city and other shelters to make sure no one who wants a warm place to sleep is turned away.
At 32 degrees and below, Shelter KC allows guests to stay in the facility all day.
Cold weather also means people come in looking for coats and warm clothing – and those are in short supply. Especially needed are coats size 2X through 5X – and men’s pants.
At the same time, supplies of hygiene items are dwindling. Shelter KC could use donations of razors, full size lotion and body wash. More winter scarves, gloves and hats along with men’s underwear are needed as well. Every item the public donates is given out to the homeless seeking shelter. Go to www.shelterkc.org for more info on what is needed.
Photo by Mary RupertA few inches of snow fell overnight in parts of Wyandotte County, with the snow continuing through the morning. (Photo by Mary Rupert)Some light traffic was seen on I-70 near 72nd on Wednesday morning. (KC Scout photo)Wyandotte County is under a winter storm warning through 6 p.m. Thursday. (National Weather Service graphic)Forecast snow totals predicted for the region. (National Weather Service graphic)Timing of the snow in the region. (National Weather Service graphic)Low temperatures on Thursday morning. (National Weather Service graphic)Thursday morning wind chills. (National Weather Service graphic)
Around 2 inches of snow fell in parts of Wyandotte County overnight, with snow continuing to fall through the morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service, the snow will continue to fall through about noon Wednesday.
A second round of snow is possible in the region from Wednesday evening to midday Thursday, but this second round is likely to avoid the Kansas City metro area and to the north, the weather service said.
Wyandotte County remains under a winter storm warning until 6 p.m. Thursday, the weather service said.
Hazardous travel is likely throughout the Kansas City area and region, according to the weather service. The weather service advised people to stay home.
Significant cold temperatures are in the forecast for the end of the week, the weather service said. The wind chill today will be between zero and 6. The wind chill tonight will be between minus 5 and 4. On Thursday, the wind chill will be between minus 8 and 2. Thursday night, the low will be around 3. On Sunday, temperatures could reach 41.
Today, there is a 70 percent chance of precipitation, with snow likely before noon, the weather service said. There will be patchy blowing snow before 10 a.m. The high will be near 21 with a wind chill of zero to 6. A north northeast wind of 14 to 16 mph will gust as high as 25 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than 1 inch is possible.
Tonight, there is a 30 percent chance of snow, mainly between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., with a low of 8, according to the weather service. The wind chill will be between minus 5 and 4. A north northeast wind of 14 mph will gust as high as 23 mph.
Thursday, there is a 20 percent chance of snow before noon, with a high near 19, the weather service said. The wind chill will be between minus 8 and 2. A north northeast wind of 10 to 15 mph will gust as high as 22 mph.
Thursday night, it will be partly cloudy, with a low of 3, according to the weather service. A north northeast wind of 5 to 7 mph will become calm after midnight.
Friday, it will be sunny, with a high near 30, the weather service said. A calm wind will become west southwest 5 to 8 mph in the morning.
Friday night, it will be mostly clear, with a low of 12, according to the weather service.
Saturday, it will be sunny, with a high near 36, the weather service said.
Saturday night, it will be mostly clear, with a low of 20, according to the weather service.
Sunday, it will be mostly sunny, with a high near 41, the weather service said.
Sunday night, it will be partly cloudy, with a low of 17, according to the weather service.
Monday, it will be sunny, with a high near 42, the weather service said.
Monday night, it will be mostly clear, with a low of 27, according to the weather service.
Tuesday, it will be sunny, with a high near 50, the weather service said.
Schools and some other activities are closing down in advance of a winter storm expected Wednesday.
The Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools, Bonner Springs-Edwardsville Public Schools, Turner Public Schools and Piper Public Schools have all announced they will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 2, because of the forecasted snow and ice. The KCK Public Schools will be on “Plan D,” with all school buildings and district offices closed.
All locations, classes, activities and events at Kansas City Kansas Community College have been canceled on Wednesday, Feb. 2, because of inclement weather.
Also, all locations of the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library will be closed on Wednesday, according to an announcement.
A Strikeout COVID vaccine event for Gloria Willis Middle School on Wednesday has been canceled.
A COVID testing and vaccine event scheduled Wednesday at Miracle Temple Church, through Vibrant Health, has been canceled.
COVID testing at the Kansas National Guard Armory on Wednesday has been canceled.
Kansas City, Kansas, Municipal Court will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday because of inclement weather. Scheduled hearings will be continued until later dates.
Trash pickup and recycling in Kansas City, Kansas, has been delayed by one day this week because of the weather.
According to a Unified Government social media post, the Warming Centers in Kansas City, Kansas, will be open from 2 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, at the Armourdale Community Center, 730 Osage; Bethany Community Center, 1120 Central Ave.; Eisenhower Community Center; 2901 N. 72nd St.; Joe E. Amayo Community Center, 2810 Metropolitan; Beatrice Lee Community Center, 1210 N. 10th; and Kensington Community Center, 2900 State Ave.
