Road conditions are far more favorable heading into Christmas day than they were 48 hours ago.
Within Emporia, major arterials are, for the most part, clear and passable with some snow cover and occasional slick spots. Meanwhile, residential collectors and side streets range from partially to fully covered at this time.
Countywide, road conditions are relatively clear with some occasional patches of ice and snow. Emporia Public Works Director Dean Grant tells KVOE News the potential for refreezing was a concern in the overnight hours, however, thanks to the combination of treatment and sunshine any refreezing will likely be minimal.
That being said, Grant advises drivers to remain cautious.
Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope says his office’s main concern has less to do with road conditions and more to do with anyone who may become stranded in the bitter cold while traveling over the weekend.
Local farmers have been working hard the past several days to ensure both they and their livestock were prepared to combat the biting cold that has taken up residence areawide. Lyon County Extension Ag Agent Brian Rees says it has been a “struggle” for both owners and animals alike, but on the bright side it is a “short-term struggle.”
Temperatures are forecasted to exceed the single digits Christmas Eve with highs in the low 20s. Rees says that is good news when it comes to the amount of feed livestock will need.
Temperatures will dip back into single digit territory Saturday evening before reaching the upper 20’s Christmas Day where they are expected to continue climbing with a high of 50 degrees forecasted by midweek.
Due to the artic cold that impacted the area over the past several days, Emporia and Lyon County opened six warming stations. According to City Communications Manager Christine Johnson, only two individuals were reported to have used those facilities over the 48-hour period they were open.
A wind chill advisory remains in place through 11 am for Lyon, Coffey, Osage, Morris and Wabaunsee counties.
KVOE’s closings and cancellations page has become sparse, especially when compared to earlier in the week, with just a handful of adjustments in place.
CLICK HERE FOR THE KVOE CLOSINGS AND CANCELATIONS PAGE.
If you have schedule adjustments to report, whether they are closings, cancellations, postponements or delays, call KVOE at 620-342-1400, email kvoe@kvoe.com or message the Bluestem Farm and Ranch text line at 620-342-5863.
Be sure to stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates this week. If you haven’t joined KVOE’s social media channels — Facebook and Instagram, both @kvoenews, and Twitter@kvoeam1400 — this would be a good time to do so for immediate information about weather and travel conditions, schedule adjustments and preparation tips.
