Alert archive / Kansas / Blizzard Warnings in 2025
Blizzard Warning 1, NWS Topeka, KS
NWS Topeka, KS issued this blizzard warning at Jan 4, 2025, 1:51 PM CST for 20 counties in Kansas. It took effect at Jan 5, 2025, 3:00 AM CST. It was in force for 17 hr. 60 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
- Jan 4, 2025, 1:51 PM CST (19:51 UTC)
- In effect from
- Jan 5, 2025, 3:00 AM CST
- Expired
- Jan 5, 2025, 8:02 PM CST
- In force
- 17 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Topeka, KS
Counties Brown County, KS, Clay County, KS, Cloud County, KS, Dickinson County, KS, Douglas County, KS, Geary County, KS, Jackson County, KS, Jefferson County, KS, Lyon County, KS, Marshall County, KS, Morris County, KS, Nemaha County, KS, Osage County, KS, Ottawa County, KS, Pottawatomie County, KS, Republic County, KS, Riley County, KS, Shawnee County, KS, Wabaunsee County, KS, Washington County, KS
The radar
The Topeka radar (KTWX), 34 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:51 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.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 7:00 AM CST | FREEZING RAIN 0.2 | 1 S Eudora, KS | Storm total freezing rain. |
| Jan 5, 7:00 AM CST | SNOW 1 | 4 Wsw Woodlawn, KS | 7 AM report. |
| Jan 5, 7:00 AM CST | SNOW 4 | 1 N Abilene, KS | Cocorahs station KS-DK-54 Abilene 1.1 NNE. |
| Jan 5, 7:00 AM CST | SNOW 4 | 2 S Concordia, KS | Cocorahs station KS-CD-6 Concordia 1.8 S. |
| Jan 5, 7:00 AM CST | SNOW 4 | 5 Nw Narka, KS | CO-OP Observer station HUBN1 Hubbell. |
| Jan 5, 7:00 AM CST | SNOW 4 | 7 Nne Carlton, KS | Cocorahs station KS-DK-47 Abilene 10.3 S. |
| Jan 5, 7:00 AM CST | SNOW 5 | 3 Ene Saint George, KS | CO-OP Observer station WAMK1 3.1 NE Saint George. |
| Jan 5, 7:00 AM CST | SNOW 5.1 | Mcfarland, KS | Cocorahs station KS-WB-3 Mcfarland 0.1 SE. |
| Jan 5, 7:00 AM CST | SNOW 5.1 | Mcfarland, KS | CO-OP Observer station MCFK1 Mcfarland. |
| Jan 5, 7:00 AM CST | SNOW 6 | Minneapolis, KS | CO-OP Observer station MNPK1 Minneapolis. |
| Jan 5, 7:00 AM CST | SNOW 8 | 3 Ese Ada, KS | Cocorahs station KS-OT-17 Minneapolis 7.2 W. |
| Jan 5, 7:00 AM CST | SNOW 8 | 5 Nnw Ada, KS | Cocorahs station KS-OT-2 Barnard 7.5 ENE. |
| Jan 5, 7:20 AM CST | SNOW 2.7 | 3 Ene Topeka, KS | Snow increase of 1.6 inches in 90 minutes. Heavy snow and blowing snow causing blizzard conditions. Snow drifts as deep as 9 inches. |
| Jan 5, 7:29 AM CST | SNOW 5 | Abilene, KS | 5 inch measured so far with drifts up to one foot in spots. |
| Jan 5, 7:30 AM CST | SNOW 5 | 1 S Abilene, KS | Cocorahs station KS-DK-72 Abilene 1.3 SSE. |
| Jan 5, 8:00 AM CST | SNOW 6.2 | 1 Sw Herington, KS | CO-OP Observer station HERK1 0.6 SW Herington. |
| Jan 5, 8:00 AM CST | SNOW 6.5 | Miltonvale, KS | 0.65 inches of liquid 0.15 inches of radial ice accumulation. |
| Jan 5, 8:04 AM CST | SNOW 4.1 | Mclouth, KS | |
| Jan 5, 8:19 AM CST | SNOW 5 | 1 Sse Abilene, KS | Storm total snow as of 8:19AM. |
| Jan 5, 8:26 AM CST | SNOW 4.2 | 3 Ene Topeka, KS | Measured 1.5 inches of new snowfall in last 60 minutes. 4.2 inches Storm total as of 8:26am. |
| Jan 5, 8:29 AM CST | SNOW 4.5 | 4 Sse Ozawkie, KS | Running storm snow total. |
| Jan 5, 8:42 AM CST | SNOW 4.5 | Topeka, KS | Running totals for Downtown Topeka. |
| Jan 5, 9:10 AM CST | SNOW 7.1 | Saint George, KS | Still snowing. |
| Jan 5, 9:15 AM CST | SNOW 11 | Chapman, KS | Still snowing. |
| Jan 5, 9:20 AM CST | BLIZZARD | 3 Wnw Mcfarland, KS | Reports of zero visibility on I-70 relayed by Shawnee County EM. |
| Jan 5, 9:30 AM CST | SNOW 4.8 | 3 Ene Topeka, KS | Running Storm total Measured 0.6 inches of new snowfall over last 60 minutes. |
| Jan 5, 10:00 AM CST | SNOW 3.7 | 1 S Eudora, KS | As of 10am. Still snowing heavily. |
| Jan 5, 10:03 AM CST | SNOW 3.5 | Lawrence, KS | also about 0.13 inches of ice. |
| Jan 5, 10:30 AM CST | SNOW 6.3 | 3 Ene Topeka, KS | 1.5 inches of new snowfall in last 60 minutes. Largest drift of 19 inches. |
| Jan 5, 10:38 AM CST | SNOW 11.3 | Saint George, KS | Still snowing hard. |
| Jan 5, 10:38 AM CST | SNOW 12 | Wamego, KS | Still snowing hard. |
| Jan 5, 10:44 AM CST | SNOW 7.8 | Mclouth, KS | Running storm total 1/4 mile visibility. |
| Jan 5, 10:54 AM CST | SNOW 5.5 | 6 Wnw Pauline, KS | Still snowing hard and 1/8 mile vsby. |
| Jan 5, 12:00 PM CST | SNOW 8.8 | 3 Ene Topeka, KS | Official 18z snow ob. |
| Jan 5, 12:53 PM CST | SNOW 9 | 2 Wsw Topeka, KS | |
| Jan 5, 1:06 PM CST | SNOW 10.5 | Mclouth, KS | Visibility to 50 feet. |
| Jan 5, 1:45 PM CST | SNOW 12.5 | Manhattan, KS | picture via X. |
| Jan 5, 2:00 PM CST | SNOW 15.5 | Everest, KS | As of 2pm. A bit more snow occurred after measurement. |
| Jan 5, 2:30 PM CST | SNOW 12 | 3 Ene Topeka, KS | |
| Jan 5, 2:43 PM CST | SNOW 16 | Chapman, KS | Average of multiple measurements in a mostly drift-free area. |
| Jan 5, 3:36 PM CST | SNOW 14.8 | Manhattan, KS | Report via X/Twitter. |
| Jan 5, 4:10 PM CST | SNOW 8.6 | 1 S Eudora, KS | |
| Jan 5, 4:15 PM CST | SNOW 13.9 | 3 Ene Topeka, KS | Averaged among several measurements. |
| Jan 5, 4:15 PM CST | SNOW 16.4 | Abilene, KS | Light snow still falling at time. |
| Jan 5, 4:25 PM CST | SNOW 7.8 | 3 Ese Lawrence, KS | Running storm total. |
| Jan 5, 4:30 PM CST | SNOW 12 | 7 Sse Silver Lake, KS | Averaged over several spots. |
| Jan 5, 4:38 PM CST | SNOW 15 | 4 Ne Delphos, KS | |
| Jan 5, 4:45 PM CST | SNOW 18 | 4 N Chapman, KS | Pictures via X Averaged out over an area. |
| Jan 5, 4:58 PM CST | SNOW 15 | 1 S Mclouth, KS | Snow still falling and visibility down to 150 feet. |
| Jan 5, 5:00 PM CST | SNOW 11.5 | 2 N Lawrence, KS | |
| Jan 5, 5:14 PM CST | SNOW 13 | Herington, KS | |
| Jan 5, 5:30 PM CST | SNOW 9 | 2 W Olsburg, KS | |
| Jan 5, 5:41 PM CST | SNOW 11 | 1 Wnw Lawrence, KS | |
| Jan 5, 5:45 PM CST | SNOW 10.5 | 4 Nne Berryton, KS | 11 inch snow depth. |
| Jan 5, 6:00 PM CST | SNOW 13.3 | 7 Wsw Topeka, KS | |
| Jan 5, 6:00 PM CST | SNOW 17 | Seneca, KS | |
| Jan 5, 6:06 PM CST | SNOW 14 | 3 Ene Topeka, KS | Updated total. |
| Jan 5, 6:21 PM CST | SNOW 18 | Chapman, KS | Storm total. |
| Jan 5, 6:45 PM CST | SNOW 10.6 | 1 S Eudora, KS | Storm total. |
| Jan 5, 6:48 PM CST | SNOW 8.5 | Summerfield, KS |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
The nearest sounding before it
Topeka, KS (KTOP), launched 12:00Z, 7.9 hours before the alert went out and 76 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1696 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 67 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 308 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 383 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
708 WWUS43 KTOP 041951 WSWTOP URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Topeka KS 151 PM CST Sat Jan 4 2025 KSZ008>012-020>024-026-034>039-054-051000- /O.NEW.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.250105T0900Z-250106T0600Z/ /O.EXT.KTOP.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250105T0900Z/ Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley- Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris- Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Lyon- Including the cities of Alta Vista, Meriden, Emporia, Grantville, Seneca, Nortonville, Oskaloosa, Clifton, Paxico, Minneapolis, McLouth, Manhattan, Maple Hill, Wamego, Alma, Frankfort, Linn, Abilene, Hanover, Herington, Bennington, Harveyville, St. Marys, Sabetha, Junction City, Council Grove, Blue Rapids, Valley Falls, Perry, Hiawatha, Washington, McFarland, Belleville, Concordia, Clay Center, Horton, Holton, Topeka, Marysville, Eskridge, and Greenleaf 151 PM CST Sat Jan 4 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM CST SUNDAY... ...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM SUNDAY TO MIDNIGHT CST SUNDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations up to two inches, sleet accumulations around one quarter of an inch, and ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch. For the Blizzard Warning, blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 14 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and northeast Kansas. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 3 AM CST Sunday. For the Blizzard Warning, from 3 AM Sunday to midnight CST Sunday Night. * IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Travel could be nearly impossible. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Roads will become slick and hazardous and potentially impassible. 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. && $$ KSZ040-055-056-058-059-051000- /O.CON.KTOP.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0600Z/ Douglas-Osage-Franklin-Coffey-Anderson- Including the cities of Garnett, Ottawa, Lyndon, Burlingame, Osage City, Lawrence, Overbrook, Lebo, Burlington, and Carbondale 151 PM CST Sat Jan 4 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST SUNDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations between 3 and 8 inches, sleet accumulations around three quarters of an inch, and ice accumulations between one tenth and four tenths of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Anderson, Coffey, Douglas, Franklin, and Osage Counties. * WHEN...Until midnight CST Sunday Night. * IMPACTS...Roads will become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of ice on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Travel could be nearly impossible. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. && $$
8 follow-up statements
376 WWUS43 KTOP 050318 WSWTOP URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Topeka KS 918 PM CST Sat Jan 4 2025 KSZ040-055-051530- /O.EXA.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.250105T0900Z-250106T0600Z/ /O.EXT.KTOP.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250105T0900Z/ Douglas-Osage- Including the cities of Overbrook, Carbondale, Lyndon, Burlingame, Osage City, and Lawrence 918 PM CST Sat Jan 4 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM CST SUNDAY... ...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM SUNDAY TO MIDNIGHT CST SUNDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Total snow accumulations between 5 and 12 inches, sleet accumulations around one half of an inch, and ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch. Blizzard conditions expected with winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Douglas and Osage Counties. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 3 AM CST Sunday. For the Blizzard Warning, from 3 AM Sunday to midnight CST Sunday Night. * IMPACTS...Roads will be extremely hazardous. Travel could be nearly impossible. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. 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. && $$ KSZ008>012-020>024-026-034>039-054-051530- /O.CON.KTOP.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250105T0900Z/ /O.CON.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.250105T0900Z-250106T0600Z/ Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley- Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris- Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Lyon- Including the cities of Manhattan, Eskridge, Linn, Seneca, Valley Falls, Nortonville, Herington, Bennington, Blue Rapids, St. Marys, Oskaloosa, Perry, McFarland, Frankfort, Meriden, Wamego, Junction City, Abilene, Alta Vista, Belleville, Washington, Topeka, McLouth, Minneapolis, Grantville, Clay Center, Sabetha, Concordia, Hiawatha, Paxico, Greenleaf, Clifton, Maple Hill, Holton, Emporia, Marysville, Hanover, Council Grove, Alma, Horton, and Harveyville 918 PM CST Sat Jan 4 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM CST SUNDAY... ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM SUNDAY TO MIDNIGHT CST SUNDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Total snow accumulations between 6 and 16 inches, sleet accumulations around one third of an inch, and ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch. Blizzard conditions expected with winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and northeast Kansas. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, until 3 AM CST Sunday. For the Blizzard Warning, from 3 AM Sunday to midnight CST Sunday Night. * IMPACTS...Roads will be extremely hazardous. Travel could be nearly impossible. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ KSZ056-058-059-051530- /O.CON.KTOP.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0600Z/ Franklin-Coffey-Anderson- Including the cities of Burlington, Ottawa, Lebo, and Garnett 918 PM CST Sat Jan 4 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST SUNDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations between 3 and 5 inches, sleet accumulations around one half of an inch, and ice accumulations between two tenths and four tenths of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Anderson, Coffey, and Franklin Counties. * WHEN...Until midnight CST Sunday Night. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will become extremely hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Travel could be nearly impossible. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. && $$ Reese
656 WWUS43 KTOP 050929 WSWTOP URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Topeka KS 329 AM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 KSZ008>012-020>024-026-034>040-054-055-060600- /O.EXP.KTOP.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250105T0900Z/ /O.CON.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0600Z/ Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley- Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris- Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage- Including the cities of Osage City, Topeka, Burlingame, McFarland, McLouth, Meriden, Emporia, Belleville, Clay Center, Oskaloosa, Perry, Grantville, Herington, Holton, Concordia, Wamego, Hiawatha, Paxico, Harveyville, Horton, Minneapolis, Maple Hill, Greenleaf, Overbrook, Manhattan, Washington, Alma, Seneca, Linn, Hanover, Abilene, Eskridge, Lawrence, St. Marys, Nortonville, Valley Falls, Carbondale, Lyndon, Frankfort, Bennington, Clifton, Sabetha, Alta Vista, Marysville, Council Grove, Junction City, and Blue Rapids 329 AM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Snow accumulations mainly between 8 and 14 inches, sleet accumulations around one half of an inch, and a glaze of ice. Winds gusting as high as 40 to 45 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and northeast Kansas. * WHEN...Until midnight CST tonight. * IMPACTS...Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibilities which may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Travel could be nearly impossible. Gusty winds could also bring down tree branches. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ KSZ056-058-059-060600- /O.CON.KTOP.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0600Z/ Franklin-Coffey-Anderson- Including the cities of Ottawa, Garnett, Lebo, and Burlington 329 AM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT... * WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations between 4 and 6 inches, sleet accumulations around one half of an inch, and ice accumulations up to two tenths of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Anderson, Coffey, and Franklin Counties. * WHEN...Until midnight CST tonight. * IMPACTS...Roads are slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Travel will be very difficult. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. If traveling, consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ Teefey
135 WWUS43 KTOP 051913 WSWTOP URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Topeka KS 113 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 KSZ008>012-020>024-026-034>040-054-055-060300- /O.EXT.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley- Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris- Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage- Including the cities of Alta Vista, Greenleaf, McLouth, Valley Falls, Concordia, Meriden, Marysville, Harveyville, Washington, Burlingame, Linn, Maple Hill, Overbrook, Holton, Horton, Blue Rapids, Paxico, McFarland, Hanover, Herington, Clifton, Lawrence, Osage City, Eskridge, Seneca, Topeka, Perry, Clay Center, Council Grove, Alma, Frankfort, St. Marys, Oskaloosa, Sabetha, Belleville, Minneapolis, Lyndon, Carbondale, Hiawatha, Manhattan, Abilene, Nortonville, Emporia, Grantville, Bennington, Wamego, and Junction City 113 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations between 3 and 5 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and northeast Kansas. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Travel will be very difficult. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ KSZ056-058-059-060300- /O.EXT.KTOP.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Franklin-Coffey-Anderson- Including the cities of Lebo, Garnett, Burlington, and Ottawa 113 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Anderson, Coffey, and Franklin Counties. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Roads will be slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. && $$
300 WWUS43 KTOP 052340 WSWTOP URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Topeka KS 540 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 KSZ008-020-034-060045- /O.CAN.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Republic-Cloud-Ottawa- Including the cities of Concordia, Minneapolis, Belleville, and Bennington 540 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED... Snow is coming to an end and winds are also diminishing. $$ KSZ009>012-021>024-026-035>040-054-055-060300- /O.CON.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Clay-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson- Jefferson-Dickinson-Geary-Morris-Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon- Osage- Including the cities of Alta Vista, Eskridge, Abilene, McLouth, Frankfort, Council Grove, Overbrook, Lyndon, Harveyville, Maple Hill, Washington, Holton, Alma, Horton, Manhattan, Paxico, Lawrence, St. Marys, Marysville, Meriden, Herington, Hiawatha, Seneca, McFarland, Hanover, Clifton, Sabetha, Osage City, Greenleaf, Valley Falls, Nortonville, Perry, Burlingame, Linn, Clay Center, Grantville, Oskaloosa, Topeka, Emporia, Wamego, Carbondale, Junction City, and Blue Rapids 540 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and northeast Kansas. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Plan on slippery road conditions. 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. && $$ KSZ056-058-059-060300- /O.CON.KTOP.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Franklin-Coffey-Anderson- Including the cities of Garnett, Burlington, Lebo, and Ottawa 540 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Anderson, Coffey, and Franklin Counties. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded. && $$ Jones
463 WWUS43 KTOP 060008 WSWTOP URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Topeka KS 608 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 KSZ009-021-035-060115- /O.CAN.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Washington-Clay-Dickinson- Including the cities of Linn, Clay Center, Hanover, Abilene, Clifton, Washington, Greenleaf, and Herington 608 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED... Snow is winding down and wind speeds are diminishing. Visibility is improving as a result. $$ KSZ010>012-022>024-026-036>040-054-055-060300- /O.CON.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Geary- Morris-Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage- Including the cities of Alta Vista, Eskridge, McLouth, Frankfort, Council Grove, Overbrook, Lyndon, Harveyville, Maple Hill, Holton, Alma, Horton, Manhattan, Paxico, Lawrence, St. Marys, Meriden, Marysville, Hiawatha, Seneca, McFarland, Sabetha, Osage City, Burlingame, Nortonville, Valley Falls, Perry, Grantville, Oskaloosa, Topeka, Emporia, Wamego, Carbondale, Junction City, and Blue Rapids 608 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Portions of east central and northeast Kansas. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ KSZ056-058-059-060300- /O.CON.KTOP.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Franklin-Coffey-Anderson- Including the cities of Garnett, Burlington, Lebo, and Ottawa 608 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Anderson, Coffey, and Franklin Counties. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded. && $$ Jones
238 WWUS43 KTOP 060030 WSWTOP URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Topeka KS 630 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 KSZ010-022-023-036>038-054-060130- /O.CAN.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Marshall-Riley-Pottawatomie-Geary-Morris-Wabaunsee-Lyon- Including the cities of McFarland, Alta Vista, Eskridge, Alma, Maple Hill, Frankfort, Council Grove, Emporia, Manhattan, Paxico, Wamego, Harveyville, St. Marys, Marysville, Junction City, and Blue Rapids 630 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED... Snow is winding down and wind speeds are diminishing. Visibility is improving as a result. $$ KSZ011-012-024-026-039-040-055-060300- /O.CON.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Nemaha-Brown-Jackson-Jefferson-Shawnee-Douglas-Osage- Including the cities of McLouth, Overbrook, Lyndon, Holton, Horton, Lawrence, Meriden, Hiawatha, Seneca, Sabetha, Osage City, Burlingame, Nortonville, Valley Falls, Perry, Grantville, Oskaloosa, Topeka, and Carbondale 630 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Portions of east central and northeast Kansas. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Plan on slippery road conditions. 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. && $$ KSZ056-058-059-060300- /O.CON.KTOP.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Franklin-Coffey-Anderson- Including the cities of Garnett, Burlington, Lebo, and Ottawa 630 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Anderson, Coffey, and Franklin Counties. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded. && $$ Jones
760 WWUS43 KTOP 060048 WSWTOP URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Topeka KS 648 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 KSZ011-012-024-039-055-060200- /O.CAN.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Nemaha-Brown-Jackson-Shawnee-Osage- Including the cities of Seneca, Sabetha, Horton, Topeka, Overbrook, Osage City, Burlingame, Lyndon, Carbondale, Holton, and Hiawatha 648 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED... Snow is winding down and wind speeds are diminishing. Visibility is improving as a result. $$ KSZ026-040-060300- /O.CON.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Jefferson-Douglas- Including the cities of Grantville, Nortonville, Oskaloosa, McLouth, Lawrence, Meriden, Valley Falls, and Perry 648 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Douglas and Jefferson Counties. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && $$ KSZ056-058-059-060300- /O.CON.KTOP.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Franklin-Coffey-Anderson- Including the cities of Garnett, Burlington, Lebo, and Ottawa 648 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Anderson, Coffey, and Franklin Counties. * WHEN...Until 9 PM CST this evening. * IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages. Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order. Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded. && $$ Jones
657 WWUS43 KTOP 060202 WSWTOP URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Topeka KS 802 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 KSZ026-040-060315- /O.CAN.KTOP.BZ.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Jefferson-Douglas- Including the cities of Grantville, Nortonville, Oskaloosa, McLouth, Lawrence, Meriden, Valley Falls, and Perry 802 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED... Snow is winding down and wind speeds are diminishing. Visibility is improving as a result. $$ KSZ056-058-059-060315- /O.CAN.KTOP.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-250106T0300Z/ Franklin-Coffey-Anderson- Including the cities of Garnett, Burlington, Lebo, and Ottawa 802 PM CST Sun Jan 5 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED... Snow is winding down and wind speeds are diminishing. Visibility is improving as a result. $$ Jones
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this blizzard warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Topeka, KS wrote its last area forecast discussion before this blizzard warning went out at Jan 4, 11:01 AM CST, 2 hours 50 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- -A significant winter storm begins today with freezing drizzle eventually changing to sleet and snow. -Accumulations of both ice and snow will be impactful and make travel very dangerous. -Arctic air moves into the area as the winter storm winds down early next week.
Area forecast discussion, Jan 4, 11:01 AM CST, 2 hours 50 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Topeka KS 1101 AM CST Sat Jan 4 2025 .KEY MESSAGES... -A significant winter storm begins today with freezing drizzle eventually changing to sleet and snow. -Accumulations of both ice and snow will be impactful and make travel very dangerous. -Arctic air moves into the area as the winter storm winds down early next week. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 405 AM CST Sat Jan 4 2025 A Winter Storm Warning for significant accumulations of ice and snow remains in effect from this morning through Sunday. There were not many changes to the forecast package overnight with the going forecast still looking on target. Wintry precipitation will begin today and continue through the duration of the weekend. The system set to bring this weekend's rare winter storm is moving from the Great Basin over the Rocky's this morning. Isentropic ascent ahead of the system will quickly ramp up this morning as the low levels of the atmosphere saturate. This will lead to an initial round of freezing drizzle spreading north midday and this afternoon. Have slowed down the timing of onset by just a few hours with soundings showing the lower atmo taking a bit longer to saturate. Some sleet could begin to mix in later this afternoon and this evening, mainly near and north of I-70 where the warm layer aloft will be shallow and hovering close to freezing. Further south, forecast soundings still show a deeper and warmer above freezing layer aloft, which will keep the precipitation type as freezing drizzle/rain this evening and tonight. Into Sunday, lift will increase as the upper low approaches. Mid-levels will become more saturated through the DGZ and the column will cool as low pressure passes south of the area. That will allow for a transition to all snow from northwest to southeast through the morning hours. The forecast area will be in a favorable location for a batch of heavy snowfall with the surface low skirting through northeast OK and into the Ozarks. There could even be a few hundred Joules of MUCAPE south of I-70 that could enhance precipitation rates. Any frontogenetic forcing northwest of the low could also produce a heavier band of snow, likely somewhere north of I-70. In general, the expected ice and snow totals remain impressive and impactful for the region, with between a quarter and half an inch of ice accumulating south of a line from Council Grove to Ottawa prior to the switch to snow, and potentially a large area of over 8 inches of snow from I-70 north. In addition to increasing precipitation rates, wind will also become a concern through the day Sunday with gusts of 35 to 45 mph from the north becoming common. The wind could cause power outages, especially where ice and heavy snow build up on trees and power lines. Blowing snow will also reduce visibility to near one forth of a mile, creating near blizzard conditions. As stated with previous forecast packages, travel is not advised if it can be avoided. Precipitation will come at an end Sunday evening and night just as arctic air begins to filter into the area. Temperatures are still expected to dip below zero degrees with wind chill values even a few degrees colder each morning from at least Monday through Wednesday. && .AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/... Issued at 1101 AM CST Sat Jan 4 2025 Confidence in the forecast is high and conditions will only deteriorate through the forecast period. The brunt of the storm is expected to show itself around 09Z and last through the end of the forecast period with +SN and BLSN through the morning. Preceding this, periods of -FZRAPL will impacts the terminals this afternoon and evening. Winds will gradually shift from the east to the north and increase through Sunday morning. && .TOP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Winter Storm Warning until midnight CST Sunday night for KSZ008-KSZ009-KSZ010-KSZ011-KSZ012-KSZ020-KSZ021-KSZ022-KSZ023- KSZ024-KSZ026-KSZ034-KSZ035-KSZ036-KSZ037-KSZ038-KSZ039-KSZ040- KSZ054-KSZ055-KSZ056-KSZ058-KSZ059. && DISCUSSION...Teefey AVIATION...Wolters
Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 4, 4:13 AM CST, 9 hours 38 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Topeka KS 413 AM CST Sat Jan 4 2025 KSZ008>012-020>024-026-034>040-054>056-058-059-051015- Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley- Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris- Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage-Franklin-Coffey-Anderson- 413 AM CST Sat Jan 4 2025 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT CST SUNDAY NIGHT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Kansas, east central Kansas, north central Kansas and northeast Kansas. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Wintry precipitation begins today as freezing drizzle and continues through the weekend with an eventual switch to snow. Significant forecast amounts of ice and snow have prompted a Winter Storm Warning for the area. See weather.gov/top for more details. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday. The Winter Storm Warning continues through Sunday with freezing rain and sleet changing to heavy snow. See weather.gov/top for more details for your area. && More detailed information can be found at: www.weather.gov/media/top/DssPacket.pdf
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; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.