24 December, 20092:39 p.m.
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management is warning motorists to avoid travel in the state tonight due to blizzard conditions, slick roads and dangerous wind chills.
The National Weather Service warns says travel will become increasingly hazardous as snow and ice accumulate and high winds affect visibility between 6 p.m. and midnight. Travel will be particularly dangerous in northeast Kansas.
“This is an extremely dangerous situation we are facing and everyone should heed these warnings,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the state adjutant general. “If you must travel, do so before 6 p.m. and plan to stay there tonight.”
Snow and ice is forecast for all of Kansas with snow accumulations ranging from 2 to 8 inches. Both Northeast and southeast Kansas are expected to get a significant amount of snow.
24 December, 200911:03 a.m.
Snow began falling heavily in Wichita shortly after 10 a.m. – big, fluffy flakes being whipped around by robust north winds.
Within 45 minutes, visibility was down to little more than a block.
Forecasters tell me the winter storm is showing signs of strengthening to the south, meaning Wichita could end up with more than just an inch or two.
Visibility will be at or near zero during the heavy bands of snow, forecasters warn.
If you’re off work today, kick back, relax, and let it snow.
24 December, 20097:10 a.m.
A winter storm warning is in effect for 20 counties in southcentral Kansas – including the Wichita area – until 6 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Light freezing drizzle is being reported, along with strong northerly winds. Precipitation is expected to change over to snow later this morning, and the National Weather Service is predicting 1 to 4 inches of snow for Wichita. North winds of 30 miles an hour are alrady buffeting the region, with gusts to 40 mph.
Those winds will intensify as the day progresses to as much as 50 mph gusts, forecasters say. Near white-out conditions will occur later today in the region as the winds whip falling snow around.
Highs will top out in the upper 20s, and wind chills will drop below zero later tonight as the robust north winds persist. More flurries are possible Christmas Day, with highs in the low 20s.
Monitor forecasts closely. For more information on conditions, go to our weather page.