Messy commute possible in Kansas City as snow moves into the metro area during rush hour
Light snow began moving into the Kansas City area in time for Monday’s morning rush hour, which likely will make it a “little messy” for the morning commute, the National Weather Service said.
“Please allow extra time to travel this morning,” the National Weather Service in Kansas City said.
Slick roads and sidewalks are possible as snow was expected to continue to fall in the metro area through noon. Most of the Kansas City area likely will see an inch or less of snow, although some areas could see up to 2 inches from the winter storm.
Areas that could see the higher snowfall totals include Olathe, Overland Park, Spring Hill, Louisburg, Paola, Gardner, Belton and Maryville.
A rain and snow mix is possible in the afternoon, which will transition to all rain before moving out of the area during the evening, the weather service said.
Road crews were out overnight in Kansas City, salting hills, bridges and curves. A second response team was expected to start treating and clearing roads as needed.
“We expect roads to be clear early and do not expect the snow to stick,” the city said in a news release.
Trash, recycling and bulky item pickups were to continue as scheduled. No delays were expected to city services.
Missouri Department of Transportation crews were also out overnight treating roads, the transportation department’s Kansas City District announced on Twitter.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop A advised drivers in the Kansas City area to be prepared for changing road conditions.
“Adjust your speed and following distance,” the highway patrol said on Twitter. “Always buckle up and put the phone down!”
Another more substantial round of snow is expected Wednesday night through Thursday, as a dangerous winter storm system will pass through the area.
Strong winds, accumulating snowfall and very cold temperatures area are expected. Travel will be hazardous late this week, the weather service said. Near blizzard conditions are possible Thursday into Friday.
An arctic blast will bring bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills beginning Thursday night and continue through early next week.
Friday’s temperatures are expected to drop as low as 12 degrees below zero, with the wind chill making it feel 30 to 40 degrees below zero.
Saturday’s low temps are expected to be between 5 and 15 degrees below zero. The morning wind chills be 20 to 30 degrees below zero while the evening wind chills will be 0 to 10 degrees below zero.
On Christmas, the coldest temperatures will be 0 to 10 degrees below zero, with wind chills as low as 15 degrees below zero.
This story was originally published December 19, 2022 at 7:23 AM.
