There was no white Christmas this year, but Kansans will greet the New Year with bitter temperatures and a chance of snow.
A cold front will move into western Kansas Friday morning and move farther east across the state in the afternoon and evening. The cold front will also bring a chance for snow across the state on New Year’s Eve though the afternoon of New Year’s Day.
Forecasts call for initial rain/snow mix, most likely in the South Central region, and north winds of 10 mph with gusts to 20 mph producing bitterly cold wind chills of -10 to -20 degrees on New Year’s Day through Sunday morning.
Forecasts indicate a likelihood of higher snowfalls north of I-70 and east of US Highway 81 through Sunday with possible accumulations as much as six inches in some areas. The potential for blowing snow may affect travel conditions. Ice accumulation of less than half an inch is likely in the South Central and Southeast regions of the state.
Kansans are urged to plan ahead and make sure their home and auto emergency kits are stocked and ready. A home emergency kit should provide all basic essentials for every member of the family to allow survival for at least three days. The kit should include nonperishable food, water (one gallon per person, per day), medications, extra clothing, flashlights and batteries, battery-operated NOAA weather radio, blankets, and other necessities.
Make sure your kit includes supplies for any pets, including food, water, bedding, medications and other pet essentials.
Avoid travel, but if you must be on the road, charge your cell phone before you start out and make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas so that you can stay warm if you become stranded. Keep an emergency supply kit in your car with these automobile extras: jumper cables, flares or reflective triangle, ice scraper, car cell phone charger, blanket, map, cat litter or sand (for better tire traction).
Make sure someone knows your itinerary and keep abreast of road conditions along your planned travel route. State road and travel conditions are available at the Kansas Department of Transportation’s website — www.Kandrive.org. Impacts to traffic are updated 24/7, including maintenance and construction activities, winter highway conditions, flooded roadways, incidents and crashes affecting traffic and closed highways. You may also call 5-1-1 for Kansas road conditions, outside Kansas call 1-866-511-5368 (KDOT).
For a complete list of items for an emergency kit for your home and vehicle, go to www.ready.gov.
