The storm arrives - rain, snow, & ice (briefly)

Please be safe out there on the roads. I know we are all rushing around in our post Christmas travel and some of you may still be trying to get somewhere to see family and friends. The roads aren't going to be that bad in Kansas, but areas west of us could be a mess. Extra travel time will be needed if going into Colorado, Nebraska, or farther north.

Western Kansas:

Any icy weather should improve getting into Friday afternoon. The temperatures won't necessarily be "warm", but should get back above freezing to alleviate the potential of ice accumulation and/or power outages. However, this isn't helpful for anyone trying to get through that area and I-70 will likely have some issues, especially west of Goodland or Colby.

Friday night-Saturday:

This should mainly be rain as temperatures continue to warm a bit. So roads are NOT likely to be a big issue during this time. This is also when some of the heavier rain will fall for our area.

Saturday:

Mainly rain for the area, but a great deal of focus will continue to be on northwest Kansas where a changeover to snow is LIKELY by mid to late afternoon (or sooner). The snow will continue to come down Saturday night in the northwest and 4-8" of snow look likely. Totals should drop off rather quickly once you get south of I-70, so I doubt there will be any snow to shovel in places like Dodge City, Great Bend, Salina, Hutch, or Wichita.

Sunday - Storm comes to an end, but wind and MUCH colder weather will be with us and wind chills will be down in the teens and 20s.

The rainfall will be welcome by many! Don't focus too much on the exact numbers listed for each location. 

The takeaway from this map is that the rain WILL be widespread and much of the state could get an inch (or more) or much needed moisture.