KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Good evening everyone,
A quick update on the weather situation unfolding tonight in Kansas City. As of 9:30pm, the rain is beginning to transition to snow across the Kansas City metro. Snow will gradually take over across the entire region tonight. It will be snowing heavily 11pm-2am as the wind increases, creating a blizzard.
A blizzard warning remains in effect for the Kansas City metro until 6am Wednesday.
So far this evening there has been a report of wind damage in Atchison, Kan. and two wind gusts of about 60mph in St Joseph, Mo.. I expect more reports of 60mph or greater wind gusts from 12-5 am leading to power outages.
A high wind warning until 6pm, but the strong winds should subside in the afternoon.
The wet weather today has created soggy ground, which could make it somewhat easier for trees to fall, along with possibly some weaker trees from the brutal cold. In any event, these strong wind gusts would test strong trees with drier ground too. Please be prepared for power outages tonight.
The other issue will be road conditions Wednesday morning. While we aren't expecting a lot of snow and some of it may melt during the early stage of this event, temperatures falling well below freezing overnight and eventually in the middle to upper 20s anything left on roads will become ice. Let's hope road crews are able to salt the roads tonight!
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Showers and storms are moving through this morning and will persist through lunchtime. We'll be monitoring these, as well as additional storms that may develop this afternoon.
Some of these storms could become strong, with potential for damaging wind gusts and hail. However, the overall severe threat remains low.
A brief break in the rain is possible early this afternoon before rain and storms return, potentially becoming strong once again.
This marks the onset of the most intense phase of the weather system.
A rapid surge of cold air will accompany increasing winds, with sustained speeds of 20-40 mph and dangerous gusts reaching 60-70 mph. It's important to note that these high winds are not associated with thunderstorms; they will be sustained for several hours.
Around 9 p.m., the rain will transition to a wintry mix, quickly followed by heavy snow. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility through early Wednesday morning. This has warranted a blizzard warning for the KC metro through 5 a.m. Wednesday.
Before the transition back to rain, 1-2 inches of rainfall is possible, potentially leading to minor flooding.
Wednesday
By 6 a.m. Wednesday, most snow accumulation will end, but strong winds will continue to cause blowing snow. Wind speeds are not expected to drop below 40 mph until later Wednesday afternoon.
A high wind warning across the Kansas City area is in effect from 9 p.m. Tuesday until 6 p.m. Wednesday. A wind advisory is in place for central Missouri.
Power outages are likely due to this storm, potentially starting as early as Tuesday morning from thunderstorms but more likely Tuesday night as the strong winds arrive.
Another significant concern is the potential for roads to freeze due to residual moisture from rain and snow as temperatures plummet into the upper 20s. Pre-treating roads today will be challenging as heavy rainfall will wash away any applied salt.
Snowfall totals are expected to range from a dusting to 2 inches, with higher amounts possible in northern Missouri and Kansas where a blizzard warning and winter weather advisory are in effect.
Stay safe and weather aware!
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