Travel issues were few and far between in and around Emporia with the first snowfall of the season Monday.
Less than an inch of snow fell at the KVOE studios, with intermittent snowfall through the day. Overnight and early-morning travel conditions have been good, according to Lyon County Deputy Doug Stump.
Assistant Lyon County Engineer Jim Brull says it was “nice be able to handle road treatment during normal business hours,” noting that makes a big difference this time of year.
Brull and Emporia Public Works Director Dean Grant have mentioned the potential for isolated refreezing.
Patchy freezing fog is also possible through mid-morning. Grant says a day of direct sunlight, which is expected Tuesday, will help get the snowmelt off roads and end any sort of freezing risk.
Highway conditions are improving with sunshine, although morning temperatures are well below freezing. The Kansas Turnpike, which had been listed as having icy patches from Emporia to Topeka, is now clear, along with Interstate 35 from Emporia to the Kansas Highway 130 junction north of Neosho Rapids. US Highway 56 has icy spots from Admire east across Osage County. US Highway 75 is listed as partly covered from the Kansas Highway 58 intersection to Olivet, with icy spots from Olivet to Topeka. Kansas Highway 99 has icy spots north of Admire, while Kansas Highway 58 has icy spots east of Madison and Kansas Highway 170 has icy spots east of Reading.
Residents needing some time in the warm can utilize several winter warming locations that have been announced:
*The Emporia Police Department lobby at 518 Mechanic and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office lobby at 425 Mechanic are both open on a 24-7 basis. Pets are welcome at both locations if they are controlled by their owners.
*Emporia Public Library, 110 East Sixth, is open weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm and weekends from 1-5 pm.
*Bloom House Youth Services at 301 West 11th is open for teenagers. Pets are welcome if controlled; dogs must be on leashes at all times and must be well-behaved around cats.
The rest of the week looks to be cool but dry. High temperatures will be in the low 40s Tuesday and upper 30s Wednesday before a brief cooldown to the upper 20s Thursday. No precipitation is currently in sight through the upcoming weekend.
If you have snow totals, message the KVOE Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply text line at 620-342-54863.
