‘SnowSlicer’ and no street parking: How Kansas City’s Northland is preparing for snowstorm

As the Kansas City metro prepares for potentially one of the biggest snowstorms in a decade, Northland cities are taking precautionary measures and warning residents to stay off the roads.

The National Weather Service has put the Kansas City metro area under a snowstorm warning, anticipating up to 13 inches of snow this weekend. Drizzle and slight freezing rain may come as early as Saturday afternoon, with heavier snow predicted to fall on early Sunday.

Parkville will begin pre-treating roads Saturday afternoon with salt and a new product called “SnowSlicer,” a purple pre-wet ice melter designed to melt ice faster in lower temperatures.

North Kansas City will be placing Emergency Snow Route and No Parking signs on both sides of Armour Road between Fayette and Linn Streets. Vehicles should be moved from these streets by 10 a.m. Saturday morning until the snow emergency has been deactivated.

North Kansas City residents can keep up with the city’s weather updates on its website, Textcaster and social media channels.

Liberty and Riverside have asked residents to avoid street parking as well. Crews will be on duty throughout the weekend for police, firefighters and public works to monitor and respond, said a representative from Riverside.

The Liberty Community Center lobby will serve as a warming center during business hours. The center is open Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

People using the warming center are encouraged to bring medicine and ready-to-eat snacks.

As of now, Liberty will not pre-treat roads before the storm hits.

Platte City said it’s currently making sure crews are fully equipped to handle the storm with additional salt deliveries.

Drivers are encouraged to stay inside if the weather is as predicted. The Missouri State Highway Troopers recommend keeping your tank at least half full. In preparation for the storm, place battery booster cables, blankets, extra coats, gloves, water, non-perishable food, ice scraper, first aid kit, flashlight, a small shovel, and a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk now, before an emergency occurs, they said.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol emergency number is *55 on a cell phone.

This story was originally published January 3, 2025 at 4:41 PM.