While the KVOE listening area is still unlikely to be impacted tremendously by a major winter storm currently brewing up for Sunday, the same cannot be said for travel conditions.
The National Weather Service made the recommendation Friday afternoon that no individuals should seek to travel on Sunday, as forecasted snow may limit and inhibit visibility on roadways. Coupled with cold winds expected to reach upwards of 45 mph, the NWTS has advised anyone with travel plans for Sunday to either move them up for Saturday or push them back for Monday.
TV-13 Weathercaster Peyton Sanders says the earliest hazard will be the chance of precipitation early Sunday morning.
With highs predicted to be in the mid to upper 30’s and with lows around 21 through the weekend, there is a strong possibility early morning rain may result in black ice on roadways. The estimated snow accumulations for the area are between 1-3 inches.
Winter weather advisories remain in effect for Morris and Wabaunsee counties from late Saturday night through Sunday afternoon.
The Kansas Division of Emergency management also reminds residents they may also receive information on road conditions by dialling 5-1-1 anywhere in Kansas. Individuals outside of Kansas who may be traveling back from Holiday trips may call the Kansas Department of Transportation at 1-866-511-5368 or visit their website at Kandrive.org.
If you must travel during the weekend you are reminded to check you have a full tank of gas, ensure your cell phone is fully charged and have a vehicle emergency kit. Vehicle emergency kits should include blankets, flashlights, batteries, a cell phone charger, hand warmers, high energy food snacks, bottled water, necessary medications, a snow shovel, flares and other emergency supplies.
Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for more updates.
Friday Nov. 23 4:30 am
It appears the KVOE listening area won’t receive the full impact of a major winter storm brewing for Sunday, but it will probably get enough of a blow to severely hamper travel.
Morris and Wabaunsee counties are in a winter storm watch from late Saturday night through Sunday afternoon, with up to 6 inches of snow possible and biting north winds as high as 45 mph. The National Weather Service says it issues winter storm watches when there is potential for significant snow that may affect travel, and in this case the expected high winds will only make matters worse.
TV-13 meteorologist Jeremy Goodwin isn’t expecting much in the way of snowfall for Emporia or most of the listening area, but he says the combination of light snow and winds as high as 50 mph will snarl travel across several states.
Goodwin encourages people to watch the forecast, especially with near-blizzard or whiteout conditions expected for much of Sunday. He also says travelers should consider changing their departure plans if they are looking to head home Sunday after the Thanksgiving weekend. He says Saturday looks to be a much better travel day, with high temperatures in the 50s and 60s for much of the Central Plains.
We’ll keep you updated on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media.
