The entire Kansas City metro area is now under a winter storm watch as a major storm targeting the southern and eastern U.S. has shifted further north, according to the National Weather Service.
The watch, initially issued Wednesday for counties south of the metro, has been expanded to include Atchison, Leavenworth, Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas and Platte, Clay, Ray, Carroll, Jackson, Lafayette, Saline and Howard counties in Missouri.
The snow is expected to arrive in the area as early as late Friday night and continue into late Saturday. The watch now covers portions of east-central Kansas and central and west-central Missouri.
“Heavy snow possible,” the weather service said. “Total snow accumulation between 5 and 7 inches is possible.”
The weather service says travel could be very difficult, and people should consider delaying all travel.
The cities covered by the storm watch include Atchison, Weatherby Lake, Lawson, Liberty, Odessa, Concordia, Lexington, New Franklin, Stanley, Higginsville, Kansas City Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Lenexa, Weston, Shawnee, Glasgow, Kansas City, Fayette, Marshall, Overland Park, Riverside, Richmond, Parkville, Gladstone, Platte City, Carrollton, Independence, Lansing, Leavenworth, Olathe, Kearney, and Excelsior Springs.
“If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution,” the weather service said. “Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing.”
Travelers should also take water, a first-aid kit, and any other items that would help them survive if they become stranded, the weather service said.
A winter storm watch now covers the Kansas City metro, including several counties, with 5 to 7 inches of snow possible, according to the National Weather Service. Travel may be very difficult; consider delaying trips. National Weather Service in Kansas City
This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 7:02 AM.
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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.
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