KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Winter arrived with a vengeance Friday morning, and it’s about to get much worse.
Extreme cold is already here. Temperatures this morning are near 6 degrees, with a stiff north breeze making it feel 10 to 15 degrees below zero all day. But the real threat arrives tonight: heavy snow combined with dangerously cold temperatures that will make travel nearly impossible through Sunday.
Winter arrived with a vengeance Friday morning, and it’s about to get much worse.
Heavy Snow Arrives Tonight, Peaks Saturday
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from midnight Friday through 6 p.m. Sunday for much of the Kansas City area and surrounding regions. Snow is expected to arrive in two waves: the first Friday night into Saturday morning, then again Saturday evening into Sunday morning. Between the waves, lighter snow is possible.
Saturday will be the snowiest day of the event. Here’s what to expect:
Forecast Snowfall Accumulations:
- Northern Border: 2 to 5 inches
- North of 435 Loop: 4 to 7 inches
- Along I-70 and the KC Metro: 5 to 8 inches
- Southern Counties: 6 to 10 inches
The snow will be dry and light, but accumulation combined with gusty winds will create snow-packed roads and slick conditions. Travel will be very difficult Saturday and Sunday. If you can stay home, please do.
Dangerous Cold Grips the Area Through Monday
The cold is relentless. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for most of the area, with an Extreme Cold Warning for far northern counties where wind chills could reach -25 degrees.
Saturday will be the coldest day of the event. Morning lows will drop to around -2 degrees, with afternoon highs only reaching 7 degrees. Wind chills will plunge to -20 to -25 degrees in the morning — dangerous enough to cause frostbite in about 30 minutes. Wind chills will remain below zero all day.
Sunday will moderate slightly, with lows at or just above 0 and highs in the low teens. Wind chills will remain dangerously cold throughout the day, as cold as -15 degrees.
Monday will see dangerous cold continue. Morning lows will begin below zero and feel as cold as -25 with wind. Afternoon highs will reach near 20 degrees, but wind chills will remain in the low teens.
What You Need to Do Right Now
If you must go outside: Limit your time and wear heavy winter gear. Frostbite can develop in about 30 minutes in these conditions. Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Prepare your vehicle: Keep extra flashlights, food and water in your car in case of emergency.
Protect vulnerable people: Check on elderly neighbors and relatives. Bring pets inside.
Adjust your travel plans: Avoid traveling Saturday and Sunday if possible. Roads will be snow-packed and hazardous.
Stay Updated
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