Winter storm takes aim at KC with 8 to 10 inches of snow forecast

A major winter storm — possibly the region’s biggest in two years — is forecast to bring 8 to 10 inches of snow and sleet to the Kansas City area.

Expect freezing rain, sleet and snow starting late Wednesday with the heaviest precipitation on Thursday morning.

How much snow depends on the amount of sleet and freezing rain we get. But expect a total accumulation of up to 10 inches, according to the National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill.

The heaviest snow will generally fall north of Interstate 70.

Meanwhile, the greatest threat for ice accumulation will be along and south of a line from Paola, Kan., to Warrensburg, Mo., according to the National Weather Service. The most ice is expected south of U.S. 50, which includes the southern part of the Kansas City area.

The National Weather Service warns that travel will be dangerous. Only travel in an emergency, and if you must, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

A winter storm warning has been issued for the Kansas City region.

The watch covers Atchison, Miami, Linn, Leavenworth, Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas and Buchanan, Clinton, Caldwell, Platte, Clay, Ray, Jackson, Lafayette, Cass, Johnson, Bates and Henry counties in Missouri.

That includes the cities of Leavenworth, Overland Park, Olathe, St. Joseph, Parkville, Platte City, Weston, Liberty, Kansas City, Harrisonville and Pleasant Hill.