KANSAS — State and local weather officials have issued multiple Winter Storm Watches across large portions of Kansas as a strong winter system and Arctic air plunge southward later this week, bringing the risk of significant snow, hazardous travel, and cold conditions.
What the Watches Say
The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Winter Storm Watch in effect from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night for a swath of south-central and southeast Kansas, including counties such as Butler, Sedgwick, Harper, Sumner, Cowley, Elk, Chautauqua, Montgomery, and Labette. Cities in the watch area include Wichita, El Dorado, Arkansas City, Augusta, and Coffeyville.
Forecasters warn of a prolonged period of snow with moderate to heavy snow at times, with total snowfall of 3 to 6 inches possible, especially closer to the Kansas–Oklahoma border. Snow is expected to begin Friday afternoon and continue through late Saturday night. The watch notes that travel could be very difficult, including impacts to the Friday evening commute.
In Kansas’ southwest and central counties, additional Winter Storm Watches are in effect from Friday morning through Sunday morning, issued by the NWS office in Dodge City. In these areas — including Hodgeman, Pawnee, Stafford, Gray, Ford, Edwards, Kiowa, Pratt, Meade, Clark, Comanche, and Barber counties — heavier snowfall accumulations of 4 to 7 inches or more are possible, with wind gusts up to 30 mph at times that could create blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Another watch covers portions of southeast Kansas and adjacent southwest Missouri, signaling that the winter system could bring several inches of snow there as well.
Storm Timing and Impact
According to forecast guidance from the NWS, snow is likely to start Friday morning in the western and southwestern parts of the state and then spread eastward by Friday afternoon and Friday evening. Snowfall is expected to continue into Saturday night before tapering off.
The system’s progression with colder air behind it is expected to bring much colder temperatures and wind chills across Kansas late this week into the weekend, increasing dangerous cold exposure risks along with the winter precipitation.
Expected Snow Amounts
Forecast discussions indicate that snowfall totals will vary across the state:
- South-central and southeast Kansas: 3 to 6 inches is possible, with locally higher amounts nearer the Oklahoma border.
- Southwest and central Kansas: Meteorologists warn of heavier totals in many locations, with 4 to 7 inches or more expected in places, accompanied by gusty winds that could create blowing snow and hazardous travel conditions.
Exact totals will depend on the track and strength of the winter system, and small shifts in the storm’s path could significantly change local accumulations.
Travel, Safety, and Preparedness
Officials are urging residents and travelers to prepare for potentially disruptive winter conditions:
- Roads may become snow-covered and slick, especially Friday and Saturday.
- Travel could be very difficult to impossible at times, particularly during peak snow and wind periods.
- Winds may produce blowing snow and further reduce visibility.
- Dangerous wind chills and bitter cold are expected to accompany the system, especially behind the snow.
Motorists are advised to monitor forecasts closely, plan alternate travel if possible, and carry emergency winter gear in vehicles. Residents should stay tuned to the National Weather Service for updates and potential upgrades to warnings as the storm draws nearer.
Looking Ahead
Forecast confidence continues to grow that a significant winter event will affect Kansas beginning Friday and lasting through Saturday night into Sunday morning. NWS offices in Wichita, Dodge City, and Springfield (covering southeast Kansas) are likely to update watches to warnings as the event approaches and confidence in timing and amounts increases.
