Kansas City area highways dangerous after snow and ice storm. Here are driving tips
A record amount of snowfall blanketed the Kansas City area on Saturday and Sunday, adding up to 11 inches at the Kansas City International Airport. While beautiful to look at, the ice and snow made highways and interstates dangerous.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol received 727 calls for service between 2 p.m. Saturday and 4 a.m. Monday in their Troop A region, made up of 13 counties surrounding the Kansas City area. There were 478 stranded motorists and 160 crashes, including six injuries and one death.
Missouri Department of Transportation crews are working in 12-hour shifts to clear snow and ice from thousands of miles of interstates and roads, according to spokesperson Melissa Black.
Clearing the roads “is taking longer than other storms because of the severity, and we appreciate everybody being patient with our crews,” Black said.
The department has 1,500 snow plow trucks around the state, which Black said are moved to the worst hit and most traveled roads. During this storm, the Kansas City area and northwest Missouri are receiving the most resources.
Check The Star for the latest information about school closures, weather conditions and winter tips.
When will roads get better?
On Monday, MoDOT crews continued to treat, salt and scrape the roadways. After slush refreezes overnight, Tuesday morning could bring worse driving conditions. Black advised staying at home until midday Tuesday.
“If you have to get out, we do understand, just drive as safely and slowly as you possibly can to get where you need to go,” Black said.
How can I check road conditions?
In Kansas City, check the city’s snow plow map, which tracks the last time roadways were treated.
For highway conditions, go on state transportation websites — the MoDOT Traveler Map in Missouri and the KanDrive map in Kansas. These sites show which roadways are covered with precipitation and which are clear.
What if I get in a wreck?
If you get in a crash, Black said to move to the shoulder, call *55 for assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and then stay in your car. In Kansas, call *47 to reach the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Not only are drivers exposed to the elements outside of their vehicles, but they could become “something that another vehicle could possibly hit,” Black said.
What should I keep in my car?
Here’s what you should pack in your car for cold-weather emergencies, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- Jumper cables
- Sand or kitty litter to get traction in the snow
- An extra blanket, gloves or hat
- Flashlight
- Snow scraper and shovel
- Water and food
The Star’s Kendrick Calfee and Robert Cronkleton contributed to this report.
Have more questions about winter weather in the Kansas City area? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 2:32 PM.
