A winter storm has wreaked havoc across Kansas, causing widespread road closures and hazardous driving conditions. Reports from the National Weather Service detail how freezing drizzle and sleet have coated road surfaces with ice, leading to multiple traffic accidents and closures across the state as of Saturday, January 4, 2025.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reported significant issues on major roadways, prompting traffic warnings for motorists. By 2 p.m. Saturday, drivers were experiencing precarious driving situations, particularly on I-70, which saw closures due to numerous crashes, including a three-mile stretch near the K-156 interchange. The chilling weather escalated quickly as conditions worsened, and emergency accident reporting plans were activated across multiple counties, including Hutchinson and Wichita.
The storm initially brought freezing rain, which transformed roads by creating dangerous black ice—often undetected by drivers. Trooper Ben of the Kansas Highway Patrol reminded, “Bridges ice first.” Breaking down vehicle accidents left highways nearly impassable, prompting law enforcement officials to post warnings across social media platforms. Sgt. Phil DiMartino, clearing the rising number of vehicle accidents, advised, “Many of the highways are becoming impassable.”
Portfolio stories from local media included multiple crashes reported, particularly at the height of the storm. Conditions were especially treacherous between Salina and Ellsworth, where even tow trucks struggled against the icy grip of the road. Authorities collected reports of minor injuries, predominantly attributed to falling on slippery surfaces, which could have had more dire consequences without the use of seatbelts.
Weather warnings have cautioned residents to use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary. “I would expect road conditions to start to get a little more rough shape as we head to the late afternoon hours,” meteorologist Brett Williams noted, indicating the impending transition to heavy snowfall expected by Sunday morning. Navigational routes such as U.S. Highway 40 and several parts of Kansas Highway 10 were also showcased as particularly dangerous, with law enforcement strategizing detours to manage traffic flow safely.
Public services were not spared from the storm's impact; numerous businesses, churches, and transport services closed doors through the duration of the severe weather. Lawrence Transit announced service cancellations beginning Saturday afternoon, which extended through Monday morning. The closures list included key community centers and recreational facilities, with the Lawrence Arts Center and Library shuttering their operations entirely for Sunday.
Flight cancellations compounded the chaos at the sky as Kansas City International Airport ceased operation by Saturday at 2:50 p.m., leading travelers to scramble for information from their airlines. Governor Laura Kelly issued statewide safety precautions, urging residents to remain indoors, especially with the storm's unrelenting force threatening driving safety. “Stay off the roads if possible and be mindful of emergency response personnel working hard to keep our citizens safe,” Governor Kelly advised.
Reports continued flowing from across the state as the weather committee received updates throughout the storm. Tips for driving through icy conditions became prevalent; individuals were reminded to slow down, increase following distances, and avoid sudden movements. Emergency management agencies continuously echoed safety protocols to reduce accident likelihood during these unpredictable winter conditions.
The storm forecast indicated snowfall beginning between 6 and 9 a.m. Sunday, bringing along predictions of 5 to 8 inches by the end of the event. With authorities monitoring the forecast closely and delaying implementation of emergency procedures when necessary, anticipation of worsening conditions remained true as day turned to night.
This winter storm serves as a stern reminder of the significance of preparedness during snow events, with millions of Kansans affected. Travel advisories carrying caution have been pushed through diverse communication channels, encouraging community vigilance and thoughtful planning during the hazardous days preceding warmer weather. Keeping equipped and avoiding unnecessary travel remains pivotal as communities navigate through the aftermath of this extreme winter weather.