If you’ve lived in Kansas long enough, you know the drill. One day you’re walking the dog in a light hoodie, and the next, you’re wondering if your shovel is actually buried somewhere under a mountain of lawn chairs in the garage. Well, it's time to find that shovel. A major winter storm expected to hit northeast kansas this weekend is looking more and more like the real deal, and honestly, it’s gonna be a mess.
We aren't just talking about a light dusting that melts by noon. This is one of those systems where the National Weather Service in Topeka starts using words like "impactful" and "hazardous." If you have plans to hit I-70 or head toward Manhattan or Lawrence, you might want to rethink that.
What the timing looks like right now
The setup is pretty classic for mid-January. We've got a clipper-style system dropping down, but it’s picking up some extra moisture that’s going to turn things "fun" starting late Saturday.
Most of the models—and I’m looking at the HRRR and the GFS here—show the precipitation starting as a nasty mix. You know that gross, slushy rain that turns into ice the second it touches the pavement? Yeah, that. As the sun goes down Saturday night and the temperature drops into the low 20s, that's when the "major" part of the major winter storm expected to hit northeast kansas this weekend really kicks into gear.
The snow should be coming down pretty steady by Sunday morning.
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Snow totals and the "Wind Chill" factor
Let’s get to the question everyone asks: "How much am I gonna have to scoop?"
The forecast is a bit of a moving target, but we are looking at a broad 4 to 7-inch range for most of Northeast Kansas. Some spots north of US-36 might see a bit more if a heavy band decides to park itself there.
- Topeka and Lawrence: Expect 5 inches, give or take.
- Manhattan/Riley County: Looking like a solid 6 inches.
- Kansas City Metro: Likely on the lower end, maybe 3 or 4, but the ice potential is higher there.
But honestly? The snow isn't even the worst part. It’s the wind. We are expecting gusts up to 35 mph. When you combine 5 inches of fresh powder with 35 mph winds, you get whiteout conditions. You basically won't be able to see the hood of your own truck on the highway.
And the temperatures? Bracing. We are talking sub-zero wind chills by Sunday night. If your furnace has been sounding a little "clunky" lately, now is the time to check the filter.
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Why the roads will be a nightmare
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is already out there pre-treating, but brine only does so much when the mercury falls this fast. I-70 through Shawnee and Douglas counties is notoriously slick during these transitions.
Plus, there is a lot of ongoing construction. For example, KDOT currently has I-70 westbound restricted to one lane between US-75 and US-40 in Topeka. When you take a construction zone, add 4 inches of snow, and mix in some Sunday evening traffic, you've got a recipe for a 4-hour parking lot.
Practical stuff you should actually do
Look, I’m not saying you need to go buy all the milk and bread in the Price Chopper. But you should probably do a quick "adulting" check-in before the first flakes fall.
- Check your tires. If they're bald, stay home. Seriously.
- Gas up. If you do get stuck on the side of the road, you want a full tank so you can stay warm while you wait for a tow.
- The "Bag" test. Make sure you have a real ice scraper, a blanket, and maybe some of those hand warmers in the car.
- Pets. If it’s too cold for you to stand outside in your pajamas, it’s too cold for the dog to stay out all night.
This major winter storm expected to hit northeast kansas this weekend is essentially a reminder that Kansas winters are moody. One year ago, we were dealing with "Snowstorm Blair" which dumped over 10 inches in Manhattan. This might not be quite that historic, but it’s enough to ruin your weekend plans if you aren't ready for it.
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The best advice? Get your errands done by Saturday afternoon. Once the sun goes down and the wind picks up, the safest place to be is on your couch with a bowl of chili.
Staying updated as it happens
Weather changes. This system could track 50 miles south and leave us with nothing but a cold wind, or it could stall and dump double the forecast.
Keep an eye on the local radar and the KanDrive website for road closures. KDOT is pretty good about updating those in real-time. If the state troopers start telling people to stay off the roads, believe them. They’ve seen enough ditch-dives to know when a storm has won.
Next Steps for You:
- Check your vehicle's emergency kit to ensure you have a shovel, tow strap, and blankets.
- Verify that your outdoor faucets are covered and hoses are disconnected before the sub-zero wind chills arrive Sunday night.
- Monitor the National Weather Service Topeka office for updated "Winter Storm Warning" or "Advisory" status as the track of the low pressure system firms up.