Weather News

How much snow is expected in KC winter storm? Heavy amounts expected north, northwest

A strong winter storm will bring about a half foot of snow to the Kansas City area, according to the National Weather Service. Snow is expected to begin falling in the Kansas City metro between 2 and 4 a.m. and end between 2 and 4 p.m. Wednesday.
A strong winter storm will bring about a half foot of snow to the Kansas City area, according to the National Weather Service. Snow is expected to begin falling in the Kansas City metro between 2 and 4 a.m. and end between 2 and 4 p.m. Wednesday. National Weather Service in Kansas City

The heaviest snow from a powerful winter storm moving into the Kansas City area overnight has shifted to the north and northwest, but the metro will still see several inches of powder, according to an updated forecast from the National Weather Service.

“We’re still expecting widespread amounts of 3 to 7 inches across the bulk of the area,” Jonathan Kurtz, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Kansas City, during an afternoon briefing posted to YouTube.

Northeastern Kansas, southeast Nebraska and northwestern Missouri are expecting 5 to 8 inches of snow.

About 5 inches of snow is possible in the metro, but snowfall totals could reach as high as 7 inches as the storm unfolds throughout the day Wednesday, Kurtz said.

There also is short window for freezing drizzle and light icing on elevated surfaces mainly for areas south of U.S. 50 in Linn County Kansas, and Bates, Pettis and Henry counties in Missouri.

Local Radar Image

When will the snow start falling?

The snow is expected to start falling between midnight and 2 a..m. for portions of eastern Kansas and northeastern Missouri.

In the metro area, including areas along Interstate 35 and Interstate 49, snow is expected to being between 2 and 4 a.m. Snow will start falling in central Missouri around 4 to 6 a.m.

The Wednesday morning commute could be hazardous, Kurtz said. The snow will end from west to east between mid-day and the evening.

The weather service has issued a winter storm warning that is in effect from midnight Tuesday to 9 p.m. Wednesday, saying heavy snow is expected.

“Travel could be very difficult,” the weather service warned. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.”

Weather watches and warnings

A live data feed from the National Weather Service containing official weather warnings, watches, and advisory statements. Tap warning areas for more details. Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, NOAA GeoPlatform and Esri.


Robert A. Cronkleton
The Kansas City Star
Robert A. Cronkleton is a breaking news reporter for The Kansas City Star, covering crime, courts, transportation, weather and climate. He’s been at The Star for 36 years. His skills include multimedia and data reporting and video and audio editing. Support my work with a digital subscription
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER