Kansas is facing significant disruptions as the first major winter storm of the year wreaks havoc across the state, leaving thousands without power and prompting state officials to take immediate action. The storm, which began early Saturday morning, led to widespread power outages primarily due to icy conditions, with major impacts reported throughout Lyon County and the Kansas City metro area.
By Sunday morning, close to 3,000 Evergy customers experienced outages, affected by freezing drizzle and potentially severe weather conditions. Crews from Evergy were mobilized, with nearly 1,000 line and vegetation contractors on standby, indicating the scale of the response required for what has been forecast as a multi-day restoration effort. "This is the first storm of the year and it’s going to be significant," remarked Courtney Lewis, spokesperson for Evergy, as they prepared for the worst.
Adding to the urgency, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal disaster declaration late Saturday, recognizing the severity of the storm which resulted not only in power outages but also hazardous travel conditions leading to numerous vehicle crashes. The declaration reflects a growing concern over the significant impact of the storm on local transportation and utility services. "Governor Kelly urges people to avoid travel if possible" due to the dangerously slick roads and zero visibility conditions expected throughout the weekend.
Local emergency services reported dozens of traffic incidents, many resulting from the icy road conditions. Ice accumulations of up to half an inch, mixed with heavy snowfall expected to reach between six to twelve inches, posed serious hazards on major highways, as seen with multiple crashes reported on the Kansas Turnpike.
Emergency responders were inundated with calls as they tried to assist those involved in crashes. Notable incidents included one involving eight vehicles and multiple injuries, highlighting the grave conditions faced by drivers. Lyon County road crews worked diligently to treat roads, but the icing made their task difficult. It’s noted by Evergy: "If wet snow accumulates on trees and power lines, its weight can cause damage leading to outages," pointing to increased vulnerability of the power infrastructure during this intense winter storm.
Local authorities, including the Kansas Department of Transportation, were on high alert as travel was sharply discouraged. Major closures were reported across the state, with the National Weather Service designations shifting from winter storm warnings to blizzard warnings, indicative of worsening conditions.
For those affected, the utility companies offered several safety tips to mitigate risks associated with prolonged outages. "With temperatures set to drop, it’s important to take steps to prevent frozen pipes," said KCKBPU. They advised homeowners to maintain indoor temperatures, insulate exposed pipes, and implement measures such as letting faucets drip to prevent freezing.
The community was urged to prepare emergency kits containing essentials like water, non-perishable food, and current prescription medications to combat the storm's impact effectively. To assist those experiencing homelessness, local outreach teams coordinated efforts to provide shelter, with the city of Wichita facilitating accommodations with ample capacity.
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, utilities emphasized readiness. Evergy's power plants were prepared to leverage resources to meet the high demand during the cold snap, with additional staffing plans to run around the clock during the peak hours. Residents were encouraged to utilize the Evergy mobile app to report any outages instantly.
Local officials remain optimistic but realistic about the potential challenges. All utilities involved stressed the necessity for community members to have plans in place, not just for outages, but for health and safety during this arctic blast. They reiterated the importance of well-stocked supplies, as well as having communication methods for those who may lose power.
While the storm continues to escalate, the residents of Kansas are reminded to stay informed and take precautions. The weather is expected to ease slightly by the start of the week, but until then, conditions remain treacherous.