Blizzard warnings are now in effect for Riley, Pottawatomie, Geary, Clay and Wabaunsee counties as well as most of northeast Kansas from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. Sunday.
The National Weather Service in Topeka anticipates snow to begin falling early Sunday morning, producing anywhere from 4 to 7 inches for the Manhattan area, with higher amounts possible, especially to the north and east. Heavier snow is expected in some areas, especially near the Kansas-Nebraska border. Snow is expected to last most of the day but be out of the area by late Sunday evening.
A major factor impacting travel conditions will be the winds, which are forecast in the 40 to 45 mph range. The heavy snow fall, combined with the winds will have a serious impact on visibility. Travel is not recommended Sunday.
9 a.m. Saturday
A winter storm is expected to blow through the region early Sunday producing treacherous conditions on the roads.
Manhattan and the surrounding area including Riley, Pottawatomie, Geary and Wabaunsee counties are all now in Winter Weather Advisories from 3 a.m. through 6 p.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service advisory currently blankets the entire northern half of Kansas, virtually all of Nebraska and as well as a good portion of Missouri and Iowa where winter storm warnings are also posted.
Snow and blowing snow is likely through the mid-morning with strong northerly and northwesterly winds creating near blizzard conditions. Winds are forecast to be between 30 to 45 mph in northeast Kansas. Snow covered roads and severely restricted visibility is likely to create dangerous driving conditions Sunday morning. Travel on Sunday is not recommended and those planning to travel Sunday are advised to make other plans.
As far as snowfall totals, Manhattan is expected to receive between 2 to 4 inches of snow. Areas of northeast Pottawatomie County and further to the northeast could see higher amounts in the range of 3 to 5 inches or more. It’s anticipated that rain will develop overnight and change over to snow, arriving in the Manhattan area between 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Travelers are encouraged to stay alert of weather conditions and visit ksdot.org for travel conditions on Kansas highways.
8 a.m. Friday
The potential exists for wintry weather Sunday that could also have an impact on holiday travel.
The National Weather Service Office in Topeka has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the northern half of Kansas including Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary counties from late Saturday night through Sunday afternoon.
How much snow we see is still uncertain, but meteorologists are expecting rain to develop after midnight Sunday and the storm to develop by mid-morning (5 to 8 a.m. in Manhattan) and out of the area by Sunday evening. Winds will also be strong, with gusts between 30 to 45 mph which will likely cause blizzard conditions. Most of the Manhattan area is expected to see between 2 to 5 inches while areas to the north and east including most of Pottawatomie County could see 3 to 6 inches, with locally heavier amounts possible.
Questions remain about the track of the storm and where the heaviest snow will be. The Weather Service says regardless, the strong winds anticipated with this storm will make travel dangerous with severely restricted visibility.
Be sure to stay alert of the forecast and adjust your travel plans as needed.
