Next winter storm - here we go!

February is going to start with a winter storm coming through the Plains. Snow, wind, and very low (even dangerous) wind chills shaping up in the coming days. This may end up being one of the bigger snow events of the winter season for parts of the state. On the heels of 20"+ for western Kansas last week, I don't think we will see that again in Kansas with this upcoming system, but we will have measurable snow.

Here's what remains of the big snow from last Tuesday:

Satellite still shows a pretty good area from Jetmore to northeast Colorado. Goodland still reports 2 inches on the ground, but just south of there, it still appears to be quite a bit more. There was major melting over the weekend, but some of that will stick around for a bit longer with colder weather coming. 

Here's what we know about the next winter storm:

• Not going to be a major ice storm, even though areas along and southeast of the Turnpike may have some ice to start
• Snow will likely occur most, if not all day, Wednesday (some heavy at times)
• Wind gusts from the north/northeast will cause blowing snow, but unlikely to be a full on blizzard - gusts will be near 20-25
• Wind chills dipping -10 to -20 will probably happen Wednesday night/Thursday morning
• Travel will be difficult Wednesday

There could be some rain showers popping up in south central/southeast Kansas Tuesday afternoon and evening. That will happen right along and just behind the cold front.

As the system gets its act together and starts progressing east, heaviest snow will occur Wednesday morning and early afternoon (especially over southern Kansas). This will likely happen from around Wichita up to Topeka and KC.

And because this is a large storm that is slow moving, I still think we'll have light snow falling Wednesday night, especially over southern Kansas. This will be the second wave of snow, and some additional accumulations seem likely.

This is 10PM Wednesday:

Snow should be winding down Thursday morning, however, an area of light snow may continue near the KS/OK line. When this all wraps up, heaviest amounts look to be south and east, where in excess of 6-8" may fall. There's quite a bit of moisture with this particular system, so we will see higher amounts that most winter systems this year (so far)

When melted down, we could be in the ballpark .50-.75" of moisture. That's not bad for a winter system, and definitely going to be one of the heavier amounts of precipitation since October. 

Forecast wind chills are pretty ugly, especially by Thursday morning:

Remember, when wind chills approach -10 to -20, that's when frostbite potential ramps up quickly. 

Have a great day and we will provide more updates as the storm gets closer.