Overnight winter storm turns Kansas City streets icy, closes KCI’s airfield for hours
Icy road conditions have lead to numerous crashes and slide-offs during Monday morning commutes in the Kansas City area.
Drivers were being urged to use caution and allow for extra time as they head into work.
The hazardous conditions were caused by a winter storm that passed through the area overnight Sunday. The storm began as pouring sleet and eventually switched over to snow.
Conditions were so bad that Kansas City International Airport closed it’s airfield for all flights for about three hours Sunday night. The airfield reopened for all arriving and departing flights shortly after 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
Overnight, law enforcement agencies were urging people to stay home and only venture out if necessary.
The Overland Park Police Department urged people to walk in all non-injury crashes too. Officers would respond to injury crashes as well as those where vehicles were disabled the roadway and crashes involving impaired drivers.
The Missouri Department of Transportation’s Kansas City District said on Twitter: “Winter Weather/Safety Reminder: When there’s ice or snow, take it slow. Plz do not get in a hurry this morning. Be safe. Be smart.”
Multiple crashes were being reported across the metro Monday, including one that involved multiple vehicles and closed Interstate 635 at Horizon Parkway. Drivers were being urged to find an alternative routes.
Crashes were also reported at:
- On ramp from northbound I-635 to Interstate 29 in the Northland.
- Northbound I-29 near U.S. 169 highway in the Northland.
- Northbound I-29 near Davidson Road in the Northland.
- Southbound U.S. 169 highway near Englewood Road in the Northland.
- Northbound Interstate 35 near U.S. 69 in Pleasant Valley in the Northland.
- Northbound Bruce R. Watkins Drive at 22nd Street in the Northland.
- Northbound Interstate 435 at U.S. 24 highway in the Northland.
- Southbound I-435 at I-35 in the Northland.
- Southbound I-435 at Kansas 5 highway in Wyandotte County.
This story was originally published March 7, 2022 at 7:46 AM.
