Winter storm brings heavy snow to parts of Missouri. Will Kansas City be spared?
A wintry mix is set to target Missouri just as travelers return from the Thanksgiving holiday, but Kansas City folks can breathe a sigh of relief: heavy snowfall is expected to stay farther north and east, with cold rain forecast across most of the metro area, according to the National Weather Service.
While the brunt of the winter storm is expected to hit Iowa and Illinois, northeast Missouri could still see 4 to 8 inches of snow.
A winter storm warning has been issued for northeast Missouri, where heavy snow and reduced visibility are expected. The warning is in effect for 24 hours starting at midnight Friday.
“Travel could be very difficult,” the weather service said.
Meanwhile, a winter weather advisory is in effect for parts of north-central and central Missouri, where a mix of rain and snow is expected, the weather service said. Between 1 and 3 inches of snow is possible, and visibility could be reduced.
“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the weather service said.
Some forecast models show the possibility of light freezing rain in central Missouri, which is in a tight transition zone between rain and snow, the weather service said.
Elevated surfaces like bridges could be affected, but road pavement temperatures are expected to remain too warm for ice to accumulate and cause driving issues, the weather service said.
Trace of snow in Kansas City’s forecast
In the Kansas City area, rain is expected throughout the storm. Some non-accumulating snow may be possible Saturday night, but the metro, as well as western Missouri and eastern Kansas, will not be in the transition zone that could see freezing rain, the weather service said.
Although there is a slight chance of rain after 5 p.m. Friday, it is not expected to reach the metro area until late Friday or early Saturday. High temperatures will reach the low 40s on Friday and Saturday.
The storm system is expected to exit the area by mid-Sunday, but temperatures will remain chilly, climbing to only the upper 20s.
Another storm system could bring snow to the area on Monday.
