Alert archive / Kansas / Blizzard Warnings in 2025

Blizzard Warning 2, NWS Wichita, KS

March 18, 20254 counties in Kansas

NWS Wichita, KS issued this blizzard warning at Mar 18, 2025, 3:46 AM CDT for 4 counties in Kansas. It took effect at Mar 19, 2025, 4:00 AM CDT. It was in force for 9 hr. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Mar 18, 2025, 3:46 AM CDT (08:46 UTC)
In effect from
Mar 19, 2025, 4:00 AM CDT
Expired
Mar 19, 2025, 1:00 PM CDT
In force
9 hr
Issued by
NWS Wichita, KS

Counties Barton County, KS, Ellsworth County, KS, Lincoln County, KS, Russell County, KS

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Mar 19, 5:09 AM CDTBLIZZARDRussell Airport, KSBlizzard conditions likely beginning in Russell County. ASOS reports 40-knot wind gusts with quarter-mile visibility, KWCH reports similar conditions at Bunker Hill, and KDOT cams show conditions quickly deteriorating.
Mar 19, 6:30 AM CDTSNOW 13 Ese Dorrance, KSKWCH reports 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of slushy accumulation on roads. Close to 2 inches in protected areas under bridges. Estimated 1 inch of snow accumulation so far based on report.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Dodge City, (KDDC), launched 00:00Z, 8.8 hours before the alert went out and 167 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, Dodge City, at 00:00Z on 2025-03-18Temperature 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°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Dodge City, at 00:00Z on 2025-03-18The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 161 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 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
4589 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
88 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
161 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
304 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

355 
WWUS43 KICT 180846
WSWICT

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Wichita KS
Issued by National Weather Service Topeka KS
346 AM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

KSZ032-033-182300-
/O.UPG.KICT.WS.A.0004.250319T0900Z-250319T1900Z/
/O.NEW.KICT.BZ.W.0002.250319T0900Z-250319T1800Z/
Russell-Lincoln-
Including the cities of Lincoln, Sylvan Grove, and Russell
346 AM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 1 PM CDT WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations up 
  to two inches. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph.

* WHERE...Lincoln and Russell Counties.

* WHEN...From 4 AM to 1 PM CDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute. Strong 
  winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, 
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with 
your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are 
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

TOP Griesemer
4 follow-up statements
198 
WWUS43 KICT 181929
WSWICT

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Wichita KS
Issued by National Weather Service Topeka KS
229 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

KSZ047-048-190930-
/O.EXA.KICT.BZ.W.0002.250319T0900Z-250319T1800Z/
Barton-Ellsworth-
Including the cities of Ellsworth, Wilson, and Great Bend
229 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 1 PM CDT WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  between 1 and 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph.

* WHERE...Barton and Ellsworth Counties.

* WHEN...From 4 AM to 1 PM CDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow 
  could significantly reduce visibility to near zero. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute. Very strong 
  winds could cause extensive tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, 
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with 
your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are 
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

KSZ032-033-190930-
/O.CON.KICT.BZ.W.0002.250319T0900Z-250319T1800Z/
Russell-Lincoln-
Including the cities of Sylvan Grove, Russell, and Lincoln
229 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 1 PM CDT 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  between 2 and 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph.

* WHERE...Lincoln and Russell Counties.

* WHEN...From 4 AM to 1 PM CDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility to near zero. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute. 
  Strong winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, 
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with 
your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are 
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

KSZ049>053-067-068-190930-
/O.NEW.KICT.WW.Y.0008.250319T1200Z-250319T2100Z/
Saline-Rice-McPherson-Marion-Chase-Reno-Harvey-
Including the cities of Marion, Hutchinson, Newton, Hillsboro,
Salina, Sterling, McPherson, Strong City, Cottonwood Falls,
Lyons, and Peabody
229 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM CDT 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations around 1 inch. 
  Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of Central and South Central Kansas.

* WHEN...From 7 AM to 4 PM CDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Snow and blowing snow is expected to dramatically reduce 
  visibilities. Accumulation of a heavy wet snow may make roads 
  slushy and slippery. The hazardous conditions could impact the 
  Wednesday morning commute. Strong winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road 
conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by 
calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$
748 
WWUS43 KICT 190014
WSWICT

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Wichita KS
714 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

KSZ032-033-047-048-191500-
/O.CON.KICT.BZ.W.0002.250319T0900Z-250319T1800Z/
Russell-Lincoln-Barton-Ellsworth-
Including the cities of Russell, Lincoln, Sylvan Grove, 
Great Bend, Ellsworth, and Wilson
714 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 1 PM CDT WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  of 1 to 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph.

* WHERE...Russell, Lincoln, Barton and Ellsworth Counties.

* WHEN...From 4 AM to 1 PM CDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the morning commute. Strong winds 
  could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must
travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded,
stay with your vehicle. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

KSZ049>053-067-068-191500-
/O.CON.KICT.WW.Y.0008.250319T1200Z-250319T2100Z/
Saline-Rice-McPherson-Marion-Chase-Reno-Harvey-
Including the cities of Salina, Lyons, Sterling, McPherson, 
Hillsboro, Marion, Peabody, Cottonwood Falls, Strong City, 
Hutchinson, and Newton
714 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM CDT
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to two 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of Central and South Central Kansas.

* WHEN...From 7 AM to 4 PM CDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the morning commute. Strong winds 
  could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$
450 
WWUS43 KICT 190750
WSWICT

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Wichita KS
250 AM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

KSZ032-033-047-048-191800-
/O.CON.KICT.BZ.W.0002.250319T0900Z-250319T1800Z/
Russell-Lincoln-Barton-Ellsworth-
Including the cities of Russell, Lincoln, Sylvan Grove,
Ellsworth, Wilson, and Great Bend
250 AM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM CDT THIS 
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  between 2 and 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 70 mph.

* WHERE...Barton, Ellsworth, Lincoln, and Russell Counties.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM CDT this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute. Very strong 
  winds could cause extensive tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, 
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with 
your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are 
calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

KSZ049>053-067-068-192100-
/O.CON.KICT.WW.Y.0008.250319T1200Z-250319T2100Z/
Saline-Rice-McPherson-Marion-Chase-Reno-Harvey-
Including the cities of Sterling, Hillsboro, McPherson, Lyons,
Salina, Marion, Cottonwood Falls, Peabody, Newton, Strong City,
and Hutchinson
250 AM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING 
TO 4 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to one inch. 
  Winds gusting as high as 70 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of Central and South Central Kansas.

* WHEN...From 7 AM this morning to 4 PM CDT this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Widespread blowing 
  snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute. Very strong 
  winds could cause extensive tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road 
conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by 
calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

Cuellar
434 
WWUS43 KICT 191751
WSWICT

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Wichita KS
1251 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

KSZ032-033-047-048-192100-
/O.EXP.KICT.BZ.W.0002.000000T0000Z-250319T1800Z/
/O.EXB.KICT.WW.Y.0008.250319T1800Z-250319T2100Z/
Russell-Lincoln-Barton-Ellsworth-
Including the cities of Lincoln, Sylvan Grove, Wilson, Great
Bend, Russell, and Ellsworth
1251 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...BLIZZARD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 1 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds 
  gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Barton, Ellsworth, Lincoln, and Russell Counties.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM CDT this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road 
conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by 
calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

KSZ049>053-067-068-192100-
/O.CON.KICT.WW.Y.0008.000000T0000Z-250319T2100Z/
Saline-Rice-McPherson-Marion-Chase-Reno-Harvey-
Including the cities of Cottonwood Falls, Hutchinson, Hillsboro,
Peabody, Newton, McPherson, Strong City, Salina, Sterling, Lyons,
and Marion
1251 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CDT THIS 
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds 
  gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of Central and South Central Kansas.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM CDT this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow 
  could significantly reduce visibility. Strong winds could cause 
  tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road 
conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by 
calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

Baerg

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 18, 3:44 AM CDTHigh Wind WarningICTBarton, Butler, Chase, Cowley, Elk, Ellsworth and 13 more39 hr
Mar 18, 3:44 AM CDTWind AdvisoryICTAllen, Butler, Chase, Chautauqua, Cowley, Elk and 15 more42 hr
Mar 18, 2:29 PM CDTWinter Weather AdvisoryICTBarton, Chase, Ellsworth, Harvey, Lincoln, McPherson and 5 more26 hr

Nearby

Blizzard Warnings in Kansas, 2025Every blizzard warning in 2025

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive.