... Winter Storm Watch in effect from Friday evening through
Saturday evening...
The National Weather Service in Wichita has issued a Winter Storm
Watch... which is in effect from Friday evening through Saturday
evening.
* Timing... of the winter precipitation will begin on Friday
evening as a cold rain... but will quickly changeover to all snow by
by late Friday evening. The snow will continue through the day
on Saturday.
* Snow accumulations... are expected to be the heaviest across
south central Kansas generally along a line from El Dorado to
Wichita to Anthony. The heaviest snow band has the potential to
see amounts of five to eight inches. Some isolated higher
amounts may be possible. To the north and northwest of this
heavy snow axis... snowfall amounts could reach the four to seven
inch range from Newton to Hutchinson to Kingman.
* Winds... will increase dramatically on Friday evening and
continue on Saturday... with wind speeds increasing to 20 to 30
mph. Some gusts up to 35 mph are possible early on Saturday
which may be lead to reduced visibilities from blowing snow.
* Impacts... of the heavy snow will include low visibilities around
one mile and possibly some blowing and drifting snow. The high
moisture content of the heavy snow could lead to the collapsing
of non sturdy structures including car ports and porches. Some
trees and power lines may also be affected by the heavy snow as
well.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant
winter weather that may impact travel. Continue to monitor the
latest forecasts for updated information.