A winter storm system is forecast to impact portions of western Kansas with possible accumulating snowfall and gusty winds through the overnight hours of Thursday/early morning hours of Friday, according to the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. Portions of central and eastern Kansas are expected to receive rain.
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will be monitoring the storm and is reminding Kansans to make sure their emergency supplies are ready, according to a spokesman. While snow is not expected in Wyandotte County, anyone traveling to western Kansas is urged to be prepared for the storm.
“Although blizzard-like conditions are not currently expected, increased winds could cause blowing snow creating visibility issues,” said Angee Morgan, KDEM deputy director. “Just the same, road conditions may become snow packed and icy. Kansans are urged to change or delay their travel plans if possible in these areas until the storm moves through.”
Gov. Jeff Colyer has issued a state of disaster declaration for the winter storm that is expected to hit western Kansas.
Winter road conditions are accessible by dialing 5-1-1 from a mobile phone anywhere in Kansas; outside Kansas call 1-866-511-5368 (KDOT). Road conditions may also be viewed on the Kansas Department of Transportation website at http://kandrive.org.
If you must travel, be sure your car’s gas tank is full and you have an emergency kit. Vehicle emergency kits should include blankets, flashlights, batteries, a cell phone charger, hand-warmers, high-energy food snacks, bottled water, necessary medications, a snow shovel, flares and other emergency supplies. Make sure your cell phone is charged and someone is aware of your itinerary, including expected time of arrival.
Information on winter driving tips is available from the Kansas Highway Patrol at http://www.kansashighwaypatrol.org/259/Winter-Driving-Tips. You can also follow the Kansas Highway Patrol on Facebook and Twitter at www.kansashighwaypatrol.org.
For a complete list of items for an emergency kit and general winter preparedness information, go to www.ready.gov.