New Year’s weekend will see frigid temperatures as an Arctic front reaches northeastern Kansas, according to the National Weather Service in Topeka.
And late Friday into Saturday — New Year’s Day — significant winter weather is possible. A winter storm watch is in effect from midnight Saturday through midnight Sunday.
Friday could see a high around 56° during the day, but snow possibly mixed with freezing rain is likely Friday night, the NWS forecast said as of Thursday afternoon. It’s expected to become all snow after 5 a.m. Saturday.
Snow is likely before noon Saturday, with a 70% chance of precipitation. Accumulations of 4 to 6 inches of snow and up to one-tenth of an inch of ice are possible, though highest snowfall totals will likely be along and north of the Kansas Turnpike, according to NWS. Blustery winds could bring gusts as high as 30 to 35 mph, and travel could be dangerous with patchy blowing snow reducing visibility.
Temperatures could drop below 0° Saturday night into Sunday morning. The forecast shows a low of -1°, but wind chills could be -20°, which could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. For Sunday, the forecast is for clear skies but very cold temperatures.
Lawrence’s winter emergency shelter is open at the Community Building, 115 W. 11th St., from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. on nights when the forecast shows temperatures will drop below 35°.
If you need to travel, make sure you’re prepared. Douglas County Emergency Management suggests keeping the following items in your car: A cell phone charger, water and snacks, a first aid kit, jumper cables, a spare tire, flares, a full tank of gas, sand or kitty litter, a tow rope, blankets, snow shovel and brush, flashlight, mittens, hats, boots and warm clothes.
Keep up with the latest from the National Weather Service at this link. The NWS is also on Twitter and Facebook.
Local information is also available via Douglas County Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook.
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