Weather News

Moderate snow continues throughout Tuesday, as sub-zero temps freeze KC

A commuter gets into a car as heavy snow falls on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Kansas City.
A commuter gets into a car as heavy snow falls on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Kansas City. ecuriel@kcstar.com

Kansas City woke up to light snow accumulation Tuesday morning, but can expect more of it to come as snowfall amounts are predicted to reach 3 to 5 inches in most of the metro, according to the National Weather Service.

While snow accumulation continues, dangerous cold wind chills are in the forecast. The winter storm already brought a record low temperature in Pleasant Hill Tuesday morning, with a reading of -1 degrees, the weather service said on X, formerly Twitter.

Several advisories have been put out by the NWS in advance of this week’s storm. Meteorologists are watching out for extreme cold through at least Thursday, when wind chill values as low as 25 below zero are possible in much of the metro.

A KC Scout camera shows snow starting to cover Interstate 35 in Kansas City at Southwest Trafficway on Feb. 18, 2025. The metro area could get anywhere from 3 to 5 inches of snow Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City.
A KC Scout camera shows snow starting to cover Interstate 35 in Kansas City at Southwest Trafficway on Feb. 18, 2025. The metro area could get anywhere from 3 to 5 inches of snow Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Kansas City. KC Scout Camera

A winter storm warning is in effect until midnight Wednesday. Snowfall amounts between 3 and 8 inches spanning from east, central and northeast Kansas and central and west-central Missouri are predicted.

In Kansas City, heavy snow fell in the late morning. Moderate to light snow is expected to continue into the evening, with areas south of I-70 predicted to see the most snow accumulate.

Law enforcement agencies have advised Tuesday morning that snow is beginning to cover roads. Travel could be difficult, with reduced visibility on the roads impacting the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.

While authorities advise against travel Tuesday, those who must get out and about are asked to take proper precautions. Travelers should keep a flashlight, water, food and blankets in their vehicles. Getting stranded in extreme cold is immediately dangerous, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said on X.

Dangerous wind chills in Kansas City area

Arctic air sweeping the region will mean severe cold for at least three days this week.

The coldest wind chill values for the metro area, -10 to -25 degrees, will come Tuesday through Thursday, according to the NWS forecast.

The forecast wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Anyone who must go outside is advised to wear appropriate clothing and dress in layers, including a hat, face mask, and gloves.

A blanket of fresh snow covers rooftops, with the KCTV Tower visible in the distance on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Kansas City
A blanket of fresh snow covers rooftops, with the KCTV Tower visible in the distance on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Kansas City Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com

Frozen water pipes are a hazard during the dangerous cold. Wrapping pipes with insulation or allowing faucets to drip slowly can help prevent them from freezing.

Authorities advise pets should be kept indoors as much as possible.

By Friday, the extreme cold period will end and warmer air will make its way into the metro by the weekend, the weather service predicts. By Sunday, temperatures could be in the 40s.

What does the weather look like in your neighborhood? Share your photos and videos with The Star by sending us an email at tips@kcstar.com. We may publish them on KansasCity.com or our social media accounts.

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This story was originally published February 18, 2025 at 7:46 AM.

Kendrick Calfee
The Kansas City Star
Kendrick Calfee covers breaking news for The Kansas City Star. He studied journalism and broadcasting at Northwest Missouri State University. Before joining The Star, he covered education, local government and sports at the Salina Journal.
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