Kansas residents are being advised to get their vehicles ready as a powerful winter storm is expected to hit the area over the weekend.
According to KSN Chief Meteorologist Lisa Teachman, travel conditions will worsen quickly from Saturday afternoon to Sunday.
A Winter Storm Watch has already been issued from midday Saturday until Sunday evening. Teachman explains that this is the time and location where we can expect the most significant amounts of sleet, freezing rain, and snow.
As of 3:18 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, a winter weather alert is in effect (KSN Graphic).
According to Teachman, there is a possibility of snow in the northwest near the Nebraska state line on Saturday before it moves southeast into northern Kansas on Saturday night through early Sunday morning.
Additionally, she mentions that the winds will intensify on Saturday night, with sustained winds of 15-30 mph and gusts ranging from 35-45 mph.
This could lead to reduced visibility on roads due to ice and snow accumulations, as well as potential power outages. Teachman also notes that the storm will bring in cold arctic air.
Two people have died and multiple others are injured following a collision on the Kansas Turnpike, located south of Wichita.
The storm is expected to cause a surge in emergency roadside service calls, according to AAA Kansas.
According to Shawn Steward, public affairs manager for AAA Kansas, the typical pattern during winter storms is for people to avoid driving when the conditions are at their worst.
However, once the storm has subsided, there tends to be an increase in roadside service calls for issues such as dead batteries, crashes, and slide-offs.
Steward anticipates that there will be a high volume of calls on Monday due to the winter precipitation forecasted for Saturday and Sunday, as many individuals will be returning to work or school.
The roads ahead of this potential storm are currently not planned to be retreated by the Kansas Department of Transportation.
A spokesperson for KDOT stated that the forecast indicates that the treatment applied might wash away before the weather turns to ice or freezing.
Despite this, KDOT is actively getting ready for the storm by preparing crews, inspecting and maintaining equipment.
They have 21 trucks ready to plow and respond as the conditions evolve. If you have any further questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
AAA Kansas offers valuable tips to help you prepare your vehicle for any upcoming journey or road trip.
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Make certain your tires have good tread for adequate traction and are properly inflated. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tires can lose 1 pound of air pressure.
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Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather. When the air temperature is 32 degrees, a battery’s starting power drops 35% and at 0 degrees outside, battery starting power in 60% lower than normal. Also, the average lifespan of a car battery is 3-5 years. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA mobile battery service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary.
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Keep your gas tank at least half-full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
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Ensure that windshield wiper blades are in good condition and the wiper fluid reservoir is full. A winter blend of wiper fluid that resists freezing is recommended.
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Make sure all lights (headlights, tail and brake lights, turn signals) are working properly so you can see and be seen in bad weather conditions.
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Ensure that your tires have sufficient tread for optimal traction and are inflated correctly. It is important to note that for every 10-degree decrease in temperature, tires may lose 1 pound of air pressure.
It’s important to have a professional check your battery to make sure it can handle cold weather. When the temperature drops to 32 degrees, the starting power of a battery decreases by 35%, and at 0 degrees, it’s 60% lower than normal.
Additionally, the average lifespan of a car battery is typically around 3-5 years. If you’re a AAA member, you can request a visit from a AAA mobile battery service technician who will test your battery and replace it on-site if needed.
To prevent gas line freeze-up, it is recommended to keep your gas tank at least half-full.
Make sure to check the condition of your windshield wiper blades and ensure that the wiper fluid reservoir is full. It is advisable to use a winter blend of wiper fluid that can resist freezing.
Ensure that all lights, including headlights, tail and brake lights, and turn signals, are functioning correctly. This will enable you to have clear visibility and be easily visible to others, especially during unfavorable weather conditions.
AAA Kansas is urging drivers to prioritize safety when driving on wintry roads.
“Ice and snow can create hazardous conditions, making it challenging for drivers to see clearly and control their vehicles,” Steward explained. “To ensure safety, it is crucial for drivers to exercise caution and drive at a slower pace when venturing out onto the roads.”
AAA Kansas provides some valuable tips for driving in snowy and icy conditions.
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Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in winter conditions, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate. Stay home until crews can properly clear roadways.
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Check road and weather conditions. Before you leave, assess the conditions of roads along your route. The Kansas Department of Transportation’s KanDrive site, found at http://www.kandrive.gov or mobile app. Also consider loading a good weather app with live radar functionality to keep updated on storm track.
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Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on ice- and snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping and turning – give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
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Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down well in advance for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
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Manage a skid. If you lose traction and begin to spin or skid on snow or ice, don’t slam on the brakes. Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go, until your tires regain traction.
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Increase your following distance to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
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Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
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Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
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Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
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Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
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If you have the option, it’s best to stay home. Even if you feel confident in your ability to navigate winter conditions, it’s important to remember that not everyone on the road shares the same level of skill. It’s better to err on the side of caution and wait until road crews have had a chance to clear the roads properly.
Before you head out on your journey, make sure to check the road and weather conditions. You can assess the condition of roads along your route by visiting the Kansas Department of Transportation’s KanDrive site, which can be found at http://www.kandrive.gov or through their mobile app. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a weather app with live radar functionality loaded on your device so you can stay updated on the storm track.
Take your time and drive at a slower pace when you’re on icy or snowy roads. Remember, everything requires more time and effort in these conditions, including accelerating, stopping, and turning. So, be sure to give yourself plenty of time and space to maneuver by driving slowly.
When driving on icy roads, it is important to accelerate and decelerate slowly. Instead of applying the gas abruptly, do it gradually to regain traction and prevent skids.
Avoid rushing to get moving and make sure to give yourself enough time to slow down well in advance when approaching a stoplight. Keep in mind that it takes longer to slow down on icy roads, so exercise caution and allow for extra stopping distance.
When you find yourself losing traction and starting to spin or skid on snow or ice, remember not to slam on the brakes. Instead, steer the vehicle in the direction you want the front to go until your tires regain traction. By doing so, you can effectively manage a skid and regain control of your vehicle.
Increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you to eight to ten seconds. This will give you a greater margin of safety and allow for a longer stopping distance if necessary.
Knowing how to properly use your brakes is essential for safe driving. Regardless of whether your vehicle has antilock brakes or not, it is important to keep your heel on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply consistent and strong pressure on the brake pedal.
If possible, try not to come to a complete stop. It requires a lot more effort to start moving from a standstill compared to when you’re already in motion. If you can slow down and keep rolling until a traffic light changes, it will be easier to get moving again.
When driving on snow-covered roads, it is important not to apply extra gas when powering up hills. Doing so will only cause your wheels to spin. Instead, it is recommended to build up some inertia before reaching the hill and let that momentum carry you to the top.
Once you reach the crest of the hill, it is advisable to reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
When facing an icy hill, it’s crucial not to lose momentum. Trying to start moving on a slippery incline can be extremely challenging. To overcome this obstacle, make sure to build up some speed on a flat surface before tackling the hill. This will provide you with the necessary inertia to conquer the icy terrain successfully.
AAA Kansas suggests a list of essential items for your vehicle’s winter emergency kit.
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Cellular phone pre-programmed with emergency numbers; charger and extra battery
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Winter coat, hat and gloves or mittens
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Bag of abrasive materials such as sand, salt or cat litter for gaining traction in snow/ice
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Ice scraper and snow brush
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Jumper cables or battery jump start pack
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Warning flares/lights or triangles
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Food and water for human passengers and any pets traveling along
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Small tool kit and roll of duct tape
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AAA membership card or number if you need to call for roadside assistance.
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The cellular phone comes pre-programmed with emergency numbers, ensuring that help is just a phone call away. Additionally, a charger and an extra battery are included, providing peace of mind in case of low battery or extended use.
Make sure you have your winter coat, hat, and gloves or mittens ready.
A bag filled with abrasive materials like sand, salt, or cat litter can be used to improve traction on snowy or icy surfaces.
An essential tool for snowy conditions is an ice scraper and snow brush.
To jump-start a dead battery, you can use either jumper cables or a battery jump start pack.
Warning flares or lights, as well as triangles, have a vital role in ensuring road safety. These essential tools are designed to alert drivers of potential hazards or dangerous situations ahead.
By placing warning flares or lights, or setting up triangles, motorists are promptly informed of potential dangers and can take appropriate measures to avoid accidents. It is crucial for drivers to understand the importance of these warning signals and to use them whenever necessary.
Passengers and their pets traveling with them require food and water. A small tool kit and a roll of duct tape.
