Alert archive / Kansas / Blizzard Watches in 2009

Blizzard Watch 2, NWS Wichita, KS

December 23, 200920 counties in Kansas

NWS Wichita, KS issued this blizzard watch at Dec 23, 2009, 4:50 AM CST for 20 counties in Kansas. It took effect at Dec 24, 2009, 12:00 AM CST. It was in force for .

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 23, 2009, 4:50 AM CST (10:50 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 24, 2009, 12:00 AM CST
Expired
Dec 23, 2009, 3:32 PM CST
In force
Issued by
NWS Wichita, KS

Counties Barton County, KS, Butler County, KS, Chase County, KS, Chautauqua County, KS, Cowley County, KS, Elk County, KS, Ellsworth County, KS, Greenwood County, KS, Harper County, KS, Harvey County, KS, Kingman County, KS, Lincoln County, KS, Marion County, KS, McPherson County, KS, Reno County, KS, Rice County, KS, Russell County, KS, Saline County, KS, Sedgwick County, KS, Sumner County, KS

The radar

The Wichita radar (KICT), 42 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 10:49 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Lamont, OK (KLMN), launched 00:00Z, 10.8 hours before the alert went out and 156 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Lamont, OK at 00:00Z on 2009-12-23Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Lamont, OK at 00:00Z on 2009-12-23The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 152 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
532 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
32 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
152 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
200 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted, in the capitals the NWS used until 2016.

000 
WWUS43 KICT 231050
WSWICT

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
450 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...MAJOR WINTER STORM WILL AFFECT THE AREA TODAY THROUGH
CHRISTMAS EVE...

.A POWERFUL WINTER STORM IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP OVER THE AREA
FROM TODAY THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT. AS THIS SYSTEM DEVELOPS IT
WILL CONTINUE TO DRAW COLDER AIR SOUTH FROM THE NORTHERN PLAINS.
THIS AIR MASS COMBINED WITH LOTS OF LOW LEVEL MOISTURE WILL
PRODUCE A MIXED BAG OF PRECIPITATION TODAY MAINLY IN CENTRAL KANSAS
WITH MAINLY RAIN IN SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST KANSAS. A FEW
THUNDERSTORMS WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO ROLL THROUGH SOUTHEAST KANSAS
THROUGH THE AFTERNOON. ALL OF THIS PRECIPITATION WILL BEGIN TO
CHANGEOVER TO SNOW TONIGHT BEGINNING IN AREAS WEST OF THE
INTERSTATE 35 AND INTERSTATE 135 CORRIDOR. THIS TRANSITION LINE
WILL THEN SHIFT INTO SOUTHEAST KANSAS BY THURSDAY AFTERNOON. THE
MAIN HAZARD WITH THIS STORM WILL BE THE HIGH WIND SPEEDS OF 3O TO
40 MPH. THIS IN COMBINATION WITH THE SNOW MAY CAUSE WHITEOUT
CONDITIONS ON THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT.

KSZ052-232230-
/O.CAN.KICT.WS.A.0005.091224T0000Z-091225T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KICT.BZ.A.0002.091224T0600Z-091225T1800Z/
MARION-
INCLUDING THE CITY OF...MARION
450 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...BLIZZARD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING...
...WINTER STORM WATCH IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A BLIZZARD
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING. THE WINTER STORM WATCH HAS BEEN CANCELLED. 

* TIMING...THE RAIN AND DRIZZLE IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE OVER TO 
  SNOW EARLY THURSDAY MORNING AND CONTINUE THROUGH THURSDAY 
  NIGHT. 

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...VERY STRONG NORTH WINDS OF 30 TO 40 MPH WITH
  GUSTS TO 55 MPH CAN BE EXPECTED. THIS COMBINED WITH THE SNOW COULD
  CAUSE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...3 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW ARE POSSIBLE WITH
  THIS STORM SYSTEM BY THURSDAY NIGHT.

* OTHER IMPACTS...THE SNOW AND HIGH WIND SPEEDS MAY CAUSE WHITEOUT
  CONDITIONS WHICH WOULD MAKE TRAVEL NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE AT TIMES.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A BLIZZARD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FALLING AND/OR
BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITIES.
THIS CAN LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AND MAKE TRAVEL VERY
DANGEROUS.

&&

$$

KSZ032-033-047>051-067-232230-
/O.UPG.KICT.WS.A.0005.091224T0000Z-091225T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KICT.BZ.A.0002.091224T0600Z-091225T1800Z/
/O.EXT.KICT.WW.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-091224T0600Z/
RUSSELL-LINCOLN-BARTON-ELLSWORTH-SALINE-RICE-MCPHERSON-RENO-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...RUSSELL...LINCOLN...GREAT BEND...
ELLSWORTH...SALINA...LYONS...MCPHERSON...HUTCHINSON
450 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
TONIGHT...
...BLIZZARD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A BLIZZARD
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL
MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN
EFFECT. 


* TIMING...THE FREEZING DRIZZLE AND LIGHT FREEZING RAIN WILL
  PERSIST THROUGH THE MORNING AND MIX WITH SOME SLEET AND SNOW
  THIS AFTERNOON. THE MIXED BAG OF PRECIPITATION WILL CHANGE OVER
  TO SNOW WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND CONTINUE THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT.

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...VERY STRONG NORTH WINDS OF 30 TO 40 MPH 
  COMBINED WITH SNOW WILL REDUCE VISIBILITIES TO LESS THAN A 
  QUARTER OF A MILE AT TIMES ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY. 

* SNOW/ICE ACCUMULATIONS...ADDITIONAL ICE ACCUMULATIONS WILL BE
  LESS THAN A TENTH OF AN INCH TODAY. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL
  GENERALLY RANGE FROM 2 TO 4 INCHES.

* OTHER IMPACTS...EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT OF ICE ACCUMULATION CAN
  CAUSE VERY SLICK ROADS. USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN DRIVING. SOME ICE
  ACCUMULATION IS ALSO POSSIBLE ON ELEVATED SURFACES INCLUDING
  TREES AND POWER LINES. THE SNOW AND HIGH WIND SPEEDS MAY CAUSE
  WHITEOUT CONDITIONS TO OCCUR WHICH COULD MAKE TRAVEL IMPOSSIBLE
  ACROSS THE WATCH AREA. SIGNIFICANT BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOW
  AND BITTER COLD WIND CHILL READINGS WILL ALSO AFFECT THE AREA.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF WINTER WEATHER
WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS
AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES. USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

A BLIZZARD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FALLING AND/OR
BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITIES.
THIS CAN LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AND MAKE TRAVEL VERY
DANGEROUS.

&&

$$

KSZ068-082-083-091-092-232230-
/O.NEW.KICT.BZ.A.0002.091224T0600Z-091225T1800Z/
HARVEY-KINGMAN-SEDGWICK-HARPER-SUMNER-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...NEWTON...KINGMAN...WICHITA...ANTHONY...
HARPER...WELLINGTON
450 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...BLIZZARD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A BLIZZARD
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING. 


* TIMING...DRIZZLE IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE OVER TO SLEET THEN SNOW
  AFTER MIDNIGHT. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO PERSIST THROUGH THURSDAY
  NIGHT. 

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...POWERFUL NORTH WINDS AT 30 TO 40 MPH WITH
  GUSTS TO 55 MPH WILL DEVELOP OVER THE AREA THURSDAY INTO THURSDAY
  NIGHT. THESE HIGH WIND SPEEDS IN COMBINATION WITH THE SNOW MAY
  CAUSE NEAR WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL GENERALLY
  RANGE FROM 2 TO 4 INCHES.

* OTHER IMPACTS...THE SNOW AND HIGH WIND SPEEDS MAY CAUSE WHITEOUT
  CONDITIONS WHICH WOULD MAKE TRAVEL NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE AT TIMES.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A BLIZZARD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FALLING AND/OR
BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITIES.
THIS CAN LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AND MAKE TRAVEL VERY
DANGEROUS.

&&

$$

KSZ053-069-070-093-094-098-232230-
/O.NEW.KICT.BZ.A.0002.091224T1200Z-091225T1800Z/
CHASE-BUTLER-GREENWOOD-COWLEY-ELK-CHAUTAUQUA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...COTTONWOOD FALLS...EL DORADO...
AUGUSTA...EUREKA...WINFIELD...ARKANSAS CITY...HOWARD...SEDAN
450 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...BLIZZARD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A BLIZZARD
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING. 


* TIMING...DRIZZLE IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE OVER TO SLEET THEN SNOW
  AFTER DAYBREAK THURSDAY MORNING. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO PERSIST
  THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING.

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...POWERFUL NORTH WINDS AT 30 TO 40 MPH WITH
  GUSTS UP TO 55 MPH WILL DEVELOP OVER THE AREA THURSDAY INTO
  THURSDAY NIGHT. THESE HIGH WIND SPEEDS IN COMBINATION WITH THE
  SNOW MAY CAUSE NEAR WHITEOUT CONDITIONS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL GENERALLY
  RANGE FROM 3 TO 6 INCHES.

* OTHER IMPACTS...THE SNOW AND HIGH WIND SPEEDS MAY CAUSE WHITEOUT
  CONDITIONS WHICH WOULD MAKE TRAVEL NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE AT TIMES.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A BLIZZARD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FALLING AND/OR
BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITIES.
THIS CAN LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AND MAKE TRAVEL VERY
DANGEROUS.

&&

$$

KSZ071-072-095-096-099-100-232230-
/O.NEW.KICT.WS.A.0006.091224T1800Z-091225T1800Z/
WOODSON-ALLEN-WILSON-NEOSHO-MONTGOMERY-LABETTE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...YATES CENTER...IOLA...FREDONIA...
CHANUTE...ERIE...COFFEYVILLE...INDEPENDENCE...PARSONS
450 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
FRIDAY MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY
MORNING. 


* TIMING...DRIZZLE IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE OVER TO SLEET THEN SNOW
  THURSDAY AFTERNOON. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO PERSIST THROUGH
  FRIDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL GENERALLY
  RANGE FROM 4 TO 8 INCHES.

* ICE ACCUMULATIONS...LITTLE OR NO ICE ACCUMULATION IS EXPECTED.

* WINDS...POWERFUL NORTH WINDS AT 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45
  MPH WILL DEVELOP OVER THE AREA THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTO THURSDAY
  NIGHT. 

* IMPACTS...THESE HIGH WIND SPEEDS IN COMBINATION WITH THE SNOW
  MAY CAUSE A SEVERE REDUCTION IN THE VISIBILITY AND MAKE
  TRAVELING VERY DANGEROUS.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
WINTER WEATHER THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE
LATEST FORECASTS FOR UPDATED INFORMATION.

&&

$$
COX
2 follow-up statements
000 
WWUS43 KICT 231603
WSWICT

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
1003 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...MAJOR WINTER STORM WILL AFFECT THE AREA TODAY THROUGH
CHRISTMAS EVE...


KSZ032-047-240015-
/O.UPG.KICT.WW.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-091224T0600Z/
/O.NEW.KICT.WS.W.0004.091223T1603Z-091224T0600Z/
/O.CON.KICT.BZ.A.0002.091224T0600Z-091225T1800Z/
RUSSELL-BARTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...RUSSELL...GREAT BEND
1003 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT...
...BLIZZARD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH
FRIDAY MORNING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WARNING FOR SIGNIFICANT WINTER WEATHER...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL
MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NO LONGER IN
EFFECT. A BLIZZARD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT
THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING. 


* TIMING...THE FREEZING DRIZZLE AND LIGHT FREEZING RAIN WILL 
  PERSIST THROUGH THE MORNING AND MIX WITH SOME SLEET AND SNOW 
  THIS AFTERNOON. THE MIXED BAG OF PRECIPITATION WILL CHANGE 
  OVER TO SNOW WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND CONTINUE THROUGH THURSDAY 
  NIGHT. 

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...VERY STRONG NORTH WINDS OF 30 TO 40 MPH 
  COMBINED WITH SNOW WILL REDUCE VISIBILITIES TO LESS THAN A 
  QUARTER OF A MILE AT TIMES ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY. 

* SNOW/ICE ACCUMULATIONS...ADDITIONAL ICE ACCUMULATIONS AROUND ONE
  HALF TO THREE QUARTERS OF AN INCH. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL
  GENERALLY RANGE FROM 2 TO 4 INCHES.

* OTHER IMPACTS...EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT OF ICE ACCUMULATION CAN
  CAUSE VERY SLICK ROADS. USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN DRIVING. THE SNOW
  AND HIGH WIND SPEEDS MAY CAUSE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS TO OCCUR
  WHICH COULD MAKE TRAVEL IMPOSSIBLE ACROSS THE WATCH AREA.
  SIGNIFICANT BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOW AND BITTER COLD WIND
  CHILL READINGS WILL ALSO AFFECT THE AREA.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT WINTER WEATHER IS 
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR
IMPOSSIBLE.

A BLIZZARD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FALLING AND/OR
BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITIES.
THIS CAN LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AND MAKE TRAVEL VERY
DANGEROUS.

&&

$$

KSZ033-048>051-067-240015-
/O.CON.KICT.WW.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-091224T0600Z/
/O.CON.KICT.BZ.A.0002.091224T0600Z-091225T1800Z/
LINCOLN-ELLSWORTH-SALINE-RICE-MCPHERSON-RENO-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...LINCOLN...ELLSWORTH...SALINA...LYONS...
MCPHERSON...HUTCHINSON
1003 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
TONIGHT...
...BLIZZARD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH
FRIDAY MORNING...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
TONIGHT. A BLIZZARD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT
THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING. 

* TIMING...THE FREEZING DRIZZLE AND LIGHT FREEZING RAIN WILL 
  PERSIST THROUGH THE MORNING AND MIX WITH SOME SLEET AND SNOW 
  THIS AFTERNOON. THE MIXED BAG OF PRECIPITATION WILL CHANGE 
  OVER TO SNOW WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND CONTINUE THROUGH THURSDAY 
  NIGHT. 

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...VERY STRONG NORTH WINDS OF 30 TO 40 MPH 
  COMBINED WITH SNOW WILL REDUCE VISIBILITIES TO LESS THAN A 
  QUARTER OF A MILE AT TIMES ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY. 

* SNOW/ICE ACCUMULATIONS...UP TO A QUARTER OF AN INCH OF ICE IS
  POSSIBLE TODAY. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL GENERALLY RANGE FROM 2
  TO 4 INCHES.

* OTHER IMPACTS...EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT OF ICE ACCUMULATION CAN 
  CAUSE VERY SLICK ROADS. USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN DRIVING. SOME 
  ICE ACCUMULATION IS ALSO POSSIBLE ON ELEVATED SURFACES 
  INCLUDING TREES AND POWER LINES. THE SNOW AND HIGH WIND SPEEDS 
  MAY CAUSE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS TO OCCUR WHICH COULD MAKE TRAVEL 
  IMPOSSIBLE ACROSS THE WATCH AREA. SIGNIFICANT BLOWING AND 
  DRIFTING OF SNOW AND BITTER COLD WIND CHILL READINGS WILL ALSO 
  AFFECT THE AREA. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF WINTER WEATHER
WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS
AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES. USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

A BLIZZARD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FALLING AND/OR
BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITIES.
THIS CAN LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AND MAKE TRAVEL VERY
DANGEROUS.

&&

$$

KSZ052-068-082-083-091-092-240015-
/O.CON.KICT.BZ.A.0002.091224T0600Z-091225T1800Z/
MARION-HARVEY-KINGMAN-SEDGWICK-HARPER-SUMNER-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...MARION...NEWTON...KINGMAN...WICHITA...
ANTHONY...HARPER...WELLINGTON
1003 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...BLIZZARD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH
FRIDAY MORNING...

A BLIZZARD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH
FRIDAY MORNING. 

* TIMING...DRIZZLE IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE OVER TO SLEET THEN SNOW 
  AFTER MIDNIGHT. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO PERSIST THROUGH 
  THURSDAY NIGHT. 

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...POWERFUL NORTH WINDS AT 30 TO 40 MPH WITH 
  GUSTS TO 55 MPH WILL DEVELOP OVER THE AREA THURSDAY INTO 
  THURSDAY NIGHT. THESE HIGH WIND SPEEDS IN COMBINATION WITH THE 
  SNOW MAY CAUSE NEAR WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL GENERALLY 
  RANGE FROM 2 TO 4 INCHES. 

* OTHER IMPACTS...THE SNOW AND HIGH WIND SPEEDS MAY CAUSE 
  WHITEOUT CONDITIONS WHICH WOULD MAKE TRAVEL NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE 
  AT TIMES. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A BLIZZARD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FALLING AND/OR
BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITIES.
THIS CAN LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AND MAKE TRAVEL VERY
DANGEROUS.

&&

$$

KSZ053-069-070-093-094-098-240015-
/O.CON.KICT.BZ.A.0002.091224T1200Z-091225T1800Z/
CHASE-BUTLER-GREENWOOD-COWLEY-ELK-CHAUTAUQUA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...COTTONWOOD FALLS...EL DORADO...
AUGUSTA...EUREKA...WINFIELD...ARKANSAS CITY...HOWARD...SEDAN
1003 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...BLIZZARD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
FRIDAY MORNING...

A BLIZZARD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
FRIDAY MORNING. 

* TIMING...DRIZZLE IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE OVER TO SLEET THEN SNOW 
  AFTER DAYBREAK THURSDAY MORNING. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO 
  PERSIST THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING. 

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...POWERFUL NORTH WINDS AT 30 TO 40 MPH WITH 
  GUSTS UP TO 55 MPH WILL DEVELOP OVER THE AREA THURSDAY INTO 
  THURSDAY NIGHT. THESE HIGH WIND SPEEDS IN COMBINATION WITH THE 
  SNOW MAY CAUSE NEAR WHITEOUT CONDITIONS. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL GENERALLY 
  RANGE FROM 3 TO 6 INCHES. 

* OTHER IMPACTS...THE SNOW AND HIGH WIND SPEEDS MAY CAUSE 
  WHITEOUT CONDITIONS WHICH WOULD MAKE TRAVEL NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE 
  AT TIMES. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A BLIZZARD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FALLING AND/OR
BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITIES.
THIS CAN LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AND MAKE TRAVEL VERY
DANGEROUS.

&&

$$

KSZ071-072-095-096-099-100-240015-
/O.CON.KICT.WS.A.0006.091224T1800Z-091225T1800Z/
WOODSON-ALLEN-WILSON-NEOSHO-MONTGOMERY-LABETTE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...YATES CENTER...IOLA...FREDONIA...
CHANUTE...ERIE...COFFEYVILLE...INDEPENDENCE...PARSONS
1003 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING...

A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING. 

* TIMING...DRIZZLE IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE OVER TO SLEET THEN SNOW 
  THURSDAY AFTERNOON. THE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO PERSIST THROUGH 
  FRIDAY MORNING. 

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL GENERALLY 
  RANGE FROM 4 TO 8 INCHES. 

* ICE ACCUMULATIONS...LITTLE OR NO ICE ACCUMULATION IS EXPECTED.

* WINDS...POWERFUL NORTH WINDS AT 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 
  45 MPH WILL DEVELOP OVER THE AREA THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTO 
  THURSDAY NIGHT. 

* IMPACTS...THESE HIGH WIND SPEEDS IN COMBINATION WITH THE SNOW 
  MAY CAUSE A SEVERE REDUCTION IN THE VISIBILITY AND MAKE 
  TRAVELING VERY DANGEROUS. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
WINTER WEATHER THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE
LATEST FORECASTS FOR UPDATED INFORMATION.

&&

$$


HOWERTON
000 
WWUS43 KICT 232206
WSWICT

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE...COR 
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
332 PM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...MAJOR WINTER STORM WILL AFFECT THE AREA TODAY THROUGH
CHRISTMAS EVE...

KSZ033-048>051-067-240545-
/O.CAN.KICT.WW.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-091224T0600Z/
/O.UPG.KICT.BZ.A.0002.091224T0600Z-091225T1800Z/
/O.EXB.KICT.WS.W.0004.091224T0600Z-091226T0000Z/
LINCOLN-ELLSWORTH-SALINE-RICE-MCPHERSON-RENO-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...LINCOLN...ELLSWORTH...SALINA...LYONS...
MCPHERSON...HUTCHINSON
332 PM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM
CST FRIDAY...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WARNING FOR SIGNIFICANT WINTER WEATHER...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM
MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM CST FRIDAY. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
HAS BEEN CANCELLED. THE BLIZZARD WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. 

* TIMING...A WINTER STORM WILL AFFECT THE AREA FOR TONIGHT INTO
  FRIDAY MORNING. A WINTER MIX OF FREEZING RAIN AND SNOW WILL
  AFFECT THE AREA TONIGHT THEN CHANGE OVER TO ALL SNOW LATE
  TONIGHT...AND PERSIST THROUGH THURSDAY WITH BLOWING SNOW
  POSSIBLE THEREAFTER. 

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...VERY STRONG NORTH WINDS OF 25 TO 40 MPH WITH
  GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP OVER CENTRAL KANSAS
  BY THURSDAY MORNING...AND WILL PERSIST THROUGH THE DAY ON
  THURSDAY. THIS COULD CAUSE SOME REDUCED VISIBILITIES TO AROUND
  ONE QUARTER OF A MILE AT TIMES LATE TONIGHT INTO THURSDAY NIGHT.

* SNOW/ICE ACCUMULATIONS...LIGHT ACCUMULATIONS OF ICE WILL BE
  POSSIBLE ALONG WITH SNOW ACCUMULATIONS AROUND ONE INCH.

* OTHER IMPACTS...A SMALL AMOUNT OF ICE ACCUMULATION CAN CAUSE
  VERY SLICK ROADWAYS...USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN DRIVING. THE HIGH
  WIND SPEEDS IN COMBINATION WITH THE SNOW MAY CAUSE SEVERE
  REDUCTIONS IN THE VISIBILITY. IN ADDITION...VERY COLD WIND CHILL
  READINGS WILL ALSO AFFECT THE AREA THURSDAY NIGHT INTO FRIDAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT WINTER WEATHER IS 
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR
IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

KSZ071-072-095-096-099-100-240545-
/O.UPG.KICT.WS.A.0006.091224T1800Z-091225T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KICT.WS.W.0005.091224T1800Z-091226T0000Z/
WOODSON-ALLEN-WILSON-NEOSHO-MONTGOMERY-LABETTE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...YATES CENTER...IOLA...FREDONIA...
CHANUTE...ERIE...COFFEYVILLE...INDEPENDENCE...PARSONS
332 PM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO 6 PM CST
FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WARNING FOR SIGNIFICANT WINTER WEATHER...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM
NOON THURSDAY TO 6 PM CST FRIDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT. 

* TIMING...RAIN IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE OVER TO A SLEET OR SNOW MIX
  LATE THURSDAY MORNING...BEFORE CHANGING OVER TO ALL SNOW THURSDAY
  AFTERNOON. THE SNOW WILL PERSIST THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL GENERALLY
  RANGE FROM 4 TO 7 INCHES ACROSS SOUTHEAST KANSAS.

* WINDS...WILL BECOME QUITE STRONG AS THEY INCREASE TO 25 TO 35
  MPH...WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTO THURSDAY
  NIGHT.

* IMPACTS...THESE HIGH WIND SPEEDS IN COMBINATION WITH THE SNOW
  MAY CAUSE SEVERE REDUCTIONS IN THE VISIBILITY AND MAKE
  TRAVELING VERY DANGEROUS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT WINTER WEATHER IS 
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR
IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

KSZ052-068-082-083-091-092-240545-
/O.UPG.KICT.BZ.A.0002.091224T0600Z-091225T1800Z/
/O.EXB.KICT.WS.W.0004.091224T0600Z-091226T0000Z/
MARION-HARVEY-KINGMAN-SEDGWICK-HARPER-SUMNER-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...MARION...NEWTON...KINGMAN...WICHITA...
ANTHONY...HARPER...WELLINGTON
332 PM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM
CST FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WARNING FOR SIGNIFICANT WINTER WEATHER...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM
MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM CST FRIDAY. THE BLIZZARD WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT. 

* TIMING...RAIN WILL CHANGE TO A MIXTURE OF SLEET...FREEZING
  RAIN...AND SNOW LATE TONIGHT BEFORE CHANGING OVER TO ALL SNOW      
  AFTER 9 AM THURSDAY. THE SNOW WILL PERSIST INTO THURSDAY NIGHT.

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...STRONG NORTHWEST WINDS AT 25 TO 35 MPH WITH
  GUSTS TO 45 MPH WILL DEVELOP OVER THE AREA THURSDAY. THESE HIGH
  WIND SPEEDS IN COMBINATION WITH THE SNOW MAY CAUSE VERY LOW
  VISIBILITIES AT TIMES ACROSS THE WARNED AREA.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL RANGE FROM
  1 TO 4 INCHES ACROSS SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS.

* OTHER IMPACTS...THE HIGH WIND SPEEDS IN COMBINATION WITH THE
  SNOW MAY CAUSE SEVERE REDUCTIONS IN THE VISIBILITY AND MAKE
  TRAVELING VERY DANGEROUS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT WINTER WEATHER IS 
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR
IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

KSZ053-069-070-093-094-098-240545-
/O.UPG.KICT.BZ.A.0002.091224T1200Z-091225T1800Z/
/O.EXB.KICT.WS.W.0004.091224T0600Z-091226T0000Z/
CHASE-BUTLER-GREENWOOD-COWLEY-ELK-CHAUTAUQUA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...COTTONWOOD FALLS...EL DORADO...
AUGUSTA...EUREKA...WINFIELD...ARKANSAS CITY...HOWARD...SEDAN
332 PM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM
CST FRIDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WICHITA HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WARNING FOR SIGNIFICANT WINTER WEATHER...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM
MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM CST FRIDAY. THE BLIZZARD WATCH IS NO
LONGER IN EFFECT. 

* TIMING...A SLEET OR SNOW MIX WILL BE POSSIBLE EARLY THURSDAY       
  MORNING BEFORE CHANGING OVER TO ALL SNOW LATER THURSDAY MORNING.   
  THE SNOW WILL PERSIST INTO THURSDAY NIGHT.

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...STRONG NORTHWEST WINDS AT 25 TO 35 MPH WITH
  GUSTS TO 45 MPH WILL DEVELOP OVER THE AREA THURSDAY. THESE HIGH
  WIND SPEEDS IN COMBINATION WITH THE SNOW MAY CAUSE VERY LOW
  VISIBILITIES AT TIMES ACROSS THE WARNED AREA.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL GENERALLY
  RANGE FROM 2 TO 4 INCHES ACROSS THE WARNED AREA. 

* OTHER IMPACTS...THE HIGH WIND SPEEDS IN COMBINATION WITH THE
  SNOW MAY CAUSE SEVERE REDUCTIONS IN THE VISIBILITY AND MAKE
  TRAVELING VERY DANGEROUS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT WINTER WEATHER IS 
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR
IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

KSZ032-047-240545-
/O.UPG.KICT.BZ.A.0002.091224T0600Z-091225T1800Z/
/O.EXT.KICT.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-091226T0000Z/
RUSSELL-BARTON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...RUSSELL...GREAT BEND
332 PM CST WED DEC 23 2009

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST FRIDAY...

THE WINTER STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST FRIDAY.
THE BLIZZARD WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. 

* TIMING...A WINTER STORM WILL AFFECT THE AREA FOR TONIGHT INTO
  FRIDAY MORNING. A WINTER MIX OF FREEZING RAIN AND SNOW WILL
  AFFECT THE AREA TONIGHT THEN CHANGE OVER TO ALL SNOW LATE
  TONIGHT...AND PERSIST THROUGH THURSDAY WITH BLOWING SNOW
  POSSIBLE THEREAFTER.

* WINDS/VISIBILITY...VERY STRONG NORTH WINDS OF 25 TO 40 MPH WITH
  GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP OVER CENTRAL KANSAS
  BY THURSDAY MORNING...AND WILL PERSIST THROUGH THE DAY ON
  THURSDAY. THIS COULD CAUSE SOME REDUCED VISIBILITIES TO AROUND
  ONE QUARTER OF A MILE AT TIMES LATE TONIGHT INTO THURSDAY NIGHT.

* SNOW/ICE ACCUMULATIONS...LIGHT ACCUMULATIONS OF ICE WILL BE
  POSSIBLE ALONG WITH SNOW ACCUMULATIONS AROUND ONE INCH.

* OTHER IMPACTS...A SMALL AMOUNT OF ICE ACCUMULATION CAN CAUSE
  VERY SLICK ROADWAYS...USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN DRIVING. THE HIGH
  WIND SPEEDS IN COMBINATION WITH THE SNOW MAY CAUSE SEVERE
  REDUCTIONS IN THE VISIBILITY. IN ADDITION...VERY COLD WIND CHILL
  READINGS WILL ALSO AFFECT THE AREA THURSDAY NIGHT INTO FRIDAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT WINTER WEATHER IS 
EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR
IMPOSSIBLE.

&&

$$

JAKUB

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this blizzard watch went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Wichita, KS wrote its last area forecast discussion before this blizzard watch went out at Dec 23, 3:33 AM CST, 1 hour 17 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 23, 3:33 AM CST, 1 hour 17 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
333 AM CST WED DEC 23 2009

.DISCUSSION...

THE MAIN CONCERN WITH THIS FORECAST PACKAGE CONTINUES TO BE THE HIGH
WIND POTENTIAL WITH THIS SYSTEM AND PLACEMENT OF THE HIGHEST
SNOWFALL TOTALS.

TODAY:
LATEST WATER VAPOR LOOP WAS SHOWING A VERY POWERFUL CLOSED UPPER LOW
MOVING THROUGH THE DESERT SOUTHWEST. THIS SYSTEM STILL APPEARS TO BE
DIGGING THROUGH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WITH ABOUT 100KTS AROUND 500MB
ACCORDING TO AN AIRCRAFT REPORT. AS A RESULT...WE WILL CONTINUE TO
SEE THIS SYSTEM DIVE SOUTH DURING THE NEXT 12 HOURS. FROM THAT
POINT...IT APPEARS LIKE THAT SYSTEM SHOULD HEAD EAST TOWARDS THE
TEXAS PANHANDLE. LATEST WATER VAPOR LOOP IS ALSO SHOWING A MID LEVEL
DRY SLOT MOVING THROUGH CENTRAL OKLAHOMA. THIS DRY SLOT MAY CREEP
INTO SOUTHERN KANSAS THIS MORNING WHICH MAY CAUSE THE SHOWERS TO
DIMINISH TO DRIZZLE ACROSS SOUTHERN CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST KANSAS.
CENTRAL KANSAS ON THE OTHER HAND MAY SEE THE FREEZING RAIN/FREEZING
DRIZZLE LINGER THROUGH MUCH OF THE DAY. I WOULD ALSO EXPECT
TEMPERATURES TO GRADUALLY FALL AS THE DAY WEARS ON WITH THE FRONTAL
BOUNDARY SINKING SOUTH...DUE TO THE SURFACE LOW DEVELOPING SOUTH OF
THE AREA WHICH WILL HELP DRAW IN THE COLDER AIR. WE PLAN ON LEAVING
THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR CENTRAL KANSAS TODAY...BUT
WE MAY HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE ON SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS FOR FREEZING
DRIZZLE IF THAT COOLER AIR CONTINUES TO FILTER SOUTH. A FEW
THUNDERSTORMS ALSO STILL CANNOT BE RULED OUT WITHIN THE DRY
SLOT...DUE TO MIXED LAYER CAPE VALUES AROUND 500J/KG BUT THE SEVERE
CHANCES LOOK FAIRLY SLIM AT THIS POINT.

TONIGHT:
LATEST IR LOOP IS SHOWING HIGHER CLOUD TOPS DEVELOPING IN CENTRAL
NEW MEXICO AHEAD OF THE POTENTIAL VORTICITY ANOMALY. THIS MAY AID IN
ENHANCING THE SNOW POTENTIAL IN NORTHEAST COLORADO AND NORTHWEST
KANSAS THIS AFTERNOON...BUT THE MAIN QUESTION WILL BE IF THIS BAND
OF SNOW CAN HOLD TOGETHER AS THIS WAVE SHIFTS EAST. THIS SYSTEM WILL
ALSO CONTINUE TO DRAW IN COLDER AIR AS THE NIGHT WEARS ON AND CAUSE
THE FREEZING RAIN/RAIN TO CHANGE TO SNOW ACROSS CENTRAL AND PORTIONS
OF SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS MAINLY WEST OF THE I-35/I-135 CORRIDOR. NOT
ANTICIPATING HEAVY SNOW AT THIS TIME...BUT THE WIND WILL CERTAINLY
BECOME A FACTOR AS THE NIGHT WEARS ON. THE GEFS/GFS IS STILL
SUGGESTING 50KT WINDSPEEDS AT 850MB WHICH WOULD SUGGEST 25 TO 30KT
WINDS POSSIBLE ACROSS CENTRAL AND SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS TOWARDS
DAYBREAK. THESE STRONG WINDS COMBINED WITH ANY SNOW FLYING DURING
THIS TIMEFRAME WILL DEFINITELY HAMPER TRAVEL AND COULD CAUSE GROUND
BLIZZARD CONDITIONS AND DENDRITIC SPLINTERING. AS A RESULT...WE WENT
AHEAD AND UPGRADED TO A BLIZZARD WATCH FOR CENTRAL AND PORTIONS OF
SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS AFTER 06Z.

THURSDAY-THURSDAY NIGHT:
THIS TIMEFRAME REALLY IS STARTING TO LOOK UGLY. THE WIND SPEEDS
SHOULD BEGIN TO KICK IN FULL FORCE ACROSS CENTRAL AND SOUTH CENTRAL
KANSAS BY MIDDAY WITH SOME SNOWFALL POSSIBLE. NOT SURE IF IT WILL BE
HEAVY OR NOT...BUT IT WILL NOT TAKE MUCH SNOWFALL TO PRODUCE
BLIZZARD LIKE CONDITIONS. EVEN AN INCH OF SNOW COULD CAUSE WHITEOUT
CONDITIONS. WIND SPEEDS ACCORDING TO THE GFS MAY REACH 35 TO 40 MPH
AT TIMES WITH SOME GUSTS UP TO 55MPH. AS A RESULT...WE WENT AHEAD
AND INTRODUCED THE BLIZZARD WATCH FOR THE REST OF SOUTH CENTRAL
KANSAS. THE MAIN QUESTION WILL BE WHERE THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL BAND
WILL SETUP CAMP. THE GFS/NAM/ECMWF/UKMET IS SUGGESTING THAT A TROWAL
COULD FORM IN PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST KANSAS ON
THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND THURSDAY NIGHT. SNOWFALL TOTALS COULD REACH
6-8 INCHES IN THAT AREA. THIS COMBINED WITH WIND SPEEDS OF 30 TO 35
MPH MAY CREATE NEAR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS AS WELL. HOWEVER...WE
DECIDED TO JUST GO WITH A WINTER STORM WATCH IN PORTIONS OF
SOUTHEAST KANSAS AT THIS TIME TO MATCH UP BETTER WITH SURROUNDING
OFFICES.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY:
THE DAYS LEADING UP TO THIS PERIOD WILL HAVE A GREAT IMPACT ON THIS
PERIODS FORECAST...THEREFORE MADE ONLY FAIRLY MINOR CHANGES WHERE
CHANGES WERE MADE. THE 23/00Z OPERATIONAL GFS SHOWS THAT SNOW WILL
CONTINUE THROUGH FRIDAY AND EVEN INTO SATURDAY ACROSS MUCH OF THE
FORECAST AREA...WHILE THE ECMWF SHOWS PRECIPITATION NORTH AND EAST
OF THE AREA BY FRIDAY MORNING. IF THE GFS DOES HAVE A GOOD HANDLE ON
THIS SYSTEM NOW...ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS CAN BE EXPECTED
ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AND THE FORECAST WILL NEED TO BE ADJUSTED AS
SUCH.

WITH A FAIR AMOUNT OF COLD AIR IN PLACE OVER THE AREA...AND LIKELY A
NEW SNOWPACK...WOULD EXPECT TEMPERATURES TO BE EVEN COLDER THAN THE
CURRENT FORECAST. HOWEVER...WITH SO MUCH UNCERTAINTY...DID NOT WANT
TO MAKE ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES AT THIS POINT.

COX/SCHRECK

&&
.AVIATION...06Z TAFS KRSL/KSLN/KHUT/KICT/KCNU
ONLY CHANGES TO 00Z ISSUANCE WERE TO INTRODUCE TSRA/VCTS TO KCNU &
KICT TERMINALS RESPECTIVELY. OTHERWISE ALL 5 TERMINALS TO REMAIN
SHROUDED IN LIFR CIGS & VSBYS FOR REST OF THE NIGHT AS -FZDZ/-FZRA
INCREASING IN COVERAGE OVER CNTRL KS. WITH 850-MB WARM ADVECTION
INCREASING THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT & WED MORNING EXPECT ALL TERMINALS
TO REMAIN IFR STRATIFIED THROUGHOUT THE DAY WED.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
WICHITA-KICT    42  27  30  14 / 100  70  90  60
HUTCHINSON      36  26  28  13 / 100  80  90  60
NEWTON          40  26  30  14 / 100  70  90  60
ELDORADO        45  29  32  14 / 100  70  90  60
WINFIELD-KWLD   48  30  33  15 / 100  70  80  60
RUSSELL         32  20  21  10 / 100  90  90  60
GREAT BEND      33  23  23  11 / 100  90  80  60
SALINA          34  24  25  12 / 100  90  90  60
MCPHERSON       36  26  27  13 / 100  80  90  60
COFFEYVILLE     57  37  40  18 / 100  90  90  60
CHANUTE         54  35  38  18 / 100  80  90  70
IOLA            52  34  37  17 / 100  80  90  70
PARSONS-KPPF    56  37  39  18 / 100  90  90  70

&&

.ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING FOR KSZ032-
033-047>051-067.

WINTER STORM WATCH FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING FOR
KSZ032-033-047>052-067.

&&
Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 22, 7:55 PM CST, 8 hours 55 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
755 PM CST TUE DEC 22 2009

KSZ032-033-047>053-067>072-082-083-091>096-098>100-240200-
RUSSELL-LINCOLN-BARTON-ELLSWORTH-SALINE-RICE-MCPHERSON-MARION-CHASE-
RENO-HARVEY-BUTLER-GREENWOOD-WOODSON-ALLEN-KINGMAN-SEDGWICK-HARPER-
SUMNER-COWLEY-ELK-WILSON-NEOSHO-CHAUTAUQUA-MONTGOMERY-LABETTE-
755 PM CST TUE DEC 22 2009

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL...SOUTH
CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST KANSAS.

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT

AREAS OF FOG WILL FREQUENTLY REDUCE VISIBILITIES TO AROUND ONE HALF
MILE IN MOST OF CENTRAL KANSAS AND MAY BE ACCOMPANIED BY FREEZING
DRIZZLE. LIGHT FREEZING RAIN IS ALSO EXPECTED TO DEVELOP OVER
CENTRAL KANSAS. SOME SLEET MAY MIX IN TOWARD DAYBREAK. SEE THE
LATEST WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

A FEW THUNDERSTORMS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE LATE TONIGHT OVER PRIMARILY
SOUTHEAST KANSAS. HOWEVER...THIS ACTIVITY SHOULD BE NEITHER STRONG
NOR SEVERE.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY

THE FREEZING DRIZZLE AND FREEZING RAIN WILL EVENTUALLY MIX WITH
SLEET ON WEDNESDAY MORNING OVER CENTRAL KANSAS. PLEASE SEE LATEST
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

MEANWHILE...A MAJOR WINTER STORM SYSTEM COULD AFFECT CENTRAL KANSAS
WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT WITH POWERFUL WINDS AND SOME
ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL. THE RAIN WILL CHANGE OVER TO A MIX OF SLEET
AND SNOW WEDNESDAY EVENING IN CENTRAL KANSAS BEFORE CHANGING OVER
TO ALL SNOW. THIS TRANSITION LINE WILL MOVE SOUTHEAST ACROSS THE
REGION...AS COLDER AIR GETS PULLED SOUTHWARD WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND
THURSDAY. PLEASE SEE LATEST WINTER WEATHER WATCHES FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION ON THIS POSSIBLE WINTER WEATHER SCENARIO.

IN ADDITION...SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST KANSAS MAY SEE A FEW
EMBEDDED THUNDERSTORMS DEVELOP WEDNESDAY MORNING INTO WEDNESDAY
EVENING. THE STORMS ARE NOT EXPECTED TO BE STRONG OR SEVERE.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT ANTICIPATED TONIGHT.

&&

FOR A GRAPHICAL VERSION OF THIS INFORMATION...SEE OUR WEBPAGE AT
(LOWERCASE) HTTP://WEATHER.GOV/WICHITA/HWO/HWO.PHP

ES/RBL

The office that day

Everything else NWS Wichita, KS issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 23, 4:50 AM CSTWinter Storm WatchICTAllen, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson, Woodson11 hr
Dec 23, 5:25 AM CSTDense Fog AdvisoryICTButler, Chase, Cowley, Greenwood, Harper, Harvey and 6 more7 hr
Dec 23, 10:03 AM CSTWinter Storm WarningICTBarton, Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cowley, Elk and 14 more46 hr
Dec 23, 3:32 PM CSTWinter Storm WarningICTAllen, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson, Woodson40 hr
Dec 23, 3:34 PM CSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningICTLabette40 min

Nearby

Blizzard Watches in Kansas, 2009Every blizzard watch in 2009

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.