6 a.m. Monday update
Two rounds of winter weather are expected as a winter storm warning is in place through noon Tuesday.
The National Weather Service says the first wave will move through the area this morning and early afternoon, switching over from rain to snow by late this morning. Another wave of snow will then develop overnight through Tuesday morning, as much colder air moves through.
All told, snowfall accumulation ranging from 4 to 10 inches will be possible by the time snow ends on Tuesday, with isolated higher amounts possible. Strong winds and frigid temperatures will then be in place, with gusts up to 50 mph possible.
A sharp cold spell enters the picture by late week, with temperatures dropping to the teens and single digits by this weekend.
Original story 7 a.m. Sunday
A winter storm warning is now in effect for the Manhattan area from 6 a.m. Monday through noon Tuesday, as weather forecasters say confidence is growing for heavy snow to start the week.
The National Weather Service in Topeka says confidence is high for rain and snow developing Monday morning, changing to all snow by Monday night, unfolding in two waves — Monday morning and early afternoon, and then again overnight Monday into Tuesday morning.
The system is expected to create adverse travel conditions, producing high snowfall rates and strong winds, upwards of 50 mph by Tuesday morning. Visibility could be limited due to blowing snow. The Manhattan area could see anywhere from 3 to 7 inches of snow, with isolated pockets of higher amounts possible.
Weather offiicals say rain initially could switch to snow over north central and parts of northeast Kansas Monday morning and afternoon, with snowfall rates around one inch per hour in areas north of Interstate 70.
Stay tuned to KMAN for further updates on the weather and any weather related closures will be posted on the Closings and Delays page.