KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A major winter storm is set to impact the central United States, with the National Weather Service issuing alerts for hazardous snow and ice from Nebraska to the Mid-Atlantic starting late Saturday evening. This anticipated storm, described by officials as potentially one of the most significant winter weather events in years, is forecasted to blanket several states with snow, sleet, and freezing rain, leading to treacherous travel conditions and power outages.
Winter Storm and Ice Storm Warnings are now being issued for the Midwest, as the storm begins its path on the West Coast. Initial reports indicated heavy rains and mountain snow hitting the Pacific Northwest and northern California before moving inland. The storm is expected to gather strength, transitioning from rain to snow as it heads toward the Kansas City area and beyond by Saturday night. “This is the big one,” warned Becky Allmeroth, Chief Safety and Operations Officer with the Missouri Department of Transportation, cautioning residents to prepare for hazardous travel conditions.
The storm’s impact is expected to stretch from the central Plains through the Ohio Valley and eventually reach the Mid-Atlantic region. Snow totals across the Kansas City area could range from six to thirteen inches, with ice accumulations reaching over one-third of an inch in some places. The National Weather Service has urged residents to take this storm seriously, declaring, “Travel could be very difficult to impossible” as conditions worsen throughout Sunday.
States like Indiana have prepared accordingly, deploying over 500 snowplows to treat roads and assist with snow removal efforts. Forecasts indicate snow levels could rise significantly, with icy conditions likely to create slick roads and impede emergency services. Winds are also expected to be fierce, gusting up to 35 mph, compounding dangers on already treacherous highways.
More than a dozen states are projected to receive snow, with significant accumulations expected from northeastern Kansas through Missouri and northeast Indiana. Ice storm warnings have been particularly emphasized for areas south of the storm track, indicating possible power outages as heavy ice may accumulate on trees and electrical lines. “Ice accumulations will be highest near I-70,” said forecasts from KSN Storm Track 3, as conditions become more perilous.
Local authorities across the affected region have begun precautionary measures. The governor of Virginia has declared a state of emergency, and various counties are preparing warming centers and road treatments. Major airlines, including United and American Airlines, have already offered their customers options to change or postpone travel plans to avoid the impending storm.
“Travelers should be prepared for flight delays and potential cancellations,” recommended the Weather Prediction Center, noting the vast reach of the storm. On top of the snow, the atmospheric conditions may create freezing rain on the front end of the storm, making travel even more hazardous. This could include significant ice totals across sections of Missouri, impacting power infrastructure and leading to outages.
The Kansas City region is particularly braced for the storm, with snow plow crews prepared to deploy from late Saturday. “We have 300 snow trucks and more than 400 employees ready to work around-the-clock,” the city announced, matching the urgency with preparation efforts for what lies ahead.
Beyond the immediate storm impact, forecasts predict dangerously low temperatures following the storm's passage. Frigid Arctic air is set to follow closely behind the weather system, driving temperatures down to single digits and potentially below zero overnight. With wind chills compounding the impact, warnings are issued for residents to stay indoors, already addressing concerns over cold weather safety.
For residents beginning to face the storm dynamics, several tips are provided by local authorities. Society is urged to stock up on essentials like rock salt and food supplies, connect with emergency services, and track storm updates closely. Evergy, the local utility, has cautioned residents about potential power outages and encourages having electrical backup plans at the ready.
Overall, this winter storm presents serious risks and challenges across the central United States this coming weekend. With predictions of heavy snowfall and impactful ice, residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared as the storm approaches.