Release from the Kansas Adjutant General’ Office:
Topeka, KS- With a major winter storm system forecast to hit the state Tuesday, Feb. 4, state officials are urging all Kansans to make sure they are prepared.
“This storm is looking to be the largest winter storm we have had in 2014,” said Governor Sam Brownback. “Although the storm will hit most of the state, the most affected areas will be the northeast, north central and south central regions. We urge motorists to be prepared for snowy road conditions and limited visibility due to blowing snow.”
“Our State Emergency Operations Center is ready to activate at a moment’s notice to assist local authorities should they need our help,” said Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the Adjutant General and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. “We ask Kansans to make sure your home emergency kit is stocked with enough water and non-perishable food for everyone in the household for a minimum of three days. Have a safe alternate heat source, blankets, flashlights and batteries, a battery-operated weather radio, medications and other essentials to remain safely at home.”
“We advise postponing travel plans, if possible, however, if you must be on the road, make sure your vehicle’s emergency kit is stocked, your gas tank is full and your cell phone and charger are with you and someone knows your travel plans,” said Col. Ernest Garcia, Kansas Highway Patrol superintendent. “Also, be mindful of all emergency response personnel out on Kansas roadways and give them space to do their jobs to ensure their safety and that of our citizens.”
“If you must travel, please give the snow plows plenty of room to do their work,” said Mike King, secretary of Kansas Department of Transportation. “Plowing snow can be dangerous work and fewer vehicles on the road make it easier and safer for the plow operators to do their jobs.”
Snowfall amounts expected:
Currently, much of the state is under a winter weather watch, advisory, or warning for snow and blowing snow, making travel difficult.
Most snowfall will occur late tonight through early tomorrow morning in the western portion of the state; and between 4 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the central and eastern portion of the state.
Current snowfall forecasts are:
- · Northwest Kansas ‑ three to six inches; six to eight inches in Greeley County Monday night through Tuesday morning
- · Southwest Kansas ‑ three to six inches, with the heaviest amounts near the Colorado border Monday night through mid-day Tuesday
- · North Central Kansas – approximately seven inches Monday night through Tuesday
- · South Central Kansas ‑ six to nine inches; three to six inches in southeast portion of the region Monday night through Tuesday
- · Northeast Kansas – four to nine inches Monday night through Wednesday morning
- · Southeast Kansas – four to six inches Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening
- · KC Metro – six to eight inches early Tuesday through Wednesday morning
Information on making a home or vehicle emergency kit can be found online at http://www.ksready.gov/
