Kansas, 2009

Blizzard and Winter Storm in Kansas, December 24 to 25, 2009

December 24 to 25, 2009 · NWS TOP · 34 events in 20 counties and zones

A strong storm system swept through the Central Plains during the Christmas holiday, bringing moderate to heavy snow and strong winds. The event started out with light freezing rain, but cooler air quickly worked its way into the mid levels of the atmosphere and the precipitation changed to snow.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 34 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
34

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS TOP wrote it up.

A strong storm system swept through the Central Plains during the Christmas holiday, bringing moderate to heavy snow and strong winds. The event started out with light freezing rain, but cooler air quickly worked its way into the mid levels of the atmosphere and the precipitation changed to snow. Areas of east central Kansas received up to a quarter inch of ice before the moderate to heavy snow began falling on Christmas Eve. Just after midnight on the 25th strong winds pushed through the area bringing blizzard conditions to far eastern Kansas. Wind gusts as high as 48 mph were observed at Topeka's Forbes Field, and wind gusts as high as 54 mph were observed in Emporia, KS. The winds not only lowered visibilities to below 1/4 mile for several hours, but blew the soft powdery snow across the roadways making travel treacherous, and nearly impossible. When the snow finally stopped up to 10 inches fell across the northeastern portion of Kansas. Getting accurate snow measurements was difficult due to the blowing and drifting nature of the snow, so totals may have been higher in some locations. As a result of the blowing and drifting snow, drifts around 5 to 6 feet deep formed against fences, houses, barns and road embankments. The snow gradually tapered off through the 26th. The storm system stalled over Iowa and even retrograded a bit to the west bringing another 2 days of light snow with little accumulation. By the 27th most of the area saw the snow diminish completely. The snow from Dec 23rd through December 26th allowed both Topeka and Concordia to set records for most snowfall in the month of December.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Dec 24, 7:24 AM CST, 2 hours 36 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 24, 7:24 AM CST, 2 hours 36 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TOPEKA KS
724 AM CST THU DEC 24 2009

.UPDATE...

UPDATED FOR 12Z AVIATION.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

SEE PREVIOUS DISCUSSION.

&&

.AVIATION...

MAINLY IFR CONDITIONS EXPECTED THROUGH THE NEXT 24 HOURS. BRIEF
WINDOW OF FZRA AND PL BEFORE TRANSITION TO ALL SNOW BY MIDDAY.
WINDS WILL SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE LATER TODAY WITH BLOWING SNOW
AND REDUCED VISBY. SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE END OF THE TAF
PERIOD. BLAIR

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 419 AM CST THU DEC 24 2009/

..SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM TO AFFECT THE AREA TODAY THROUGH
CHRISTMAS...

DISCUSSION...H5 NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN STREAM SYSTEMS VERY
APPARENT ON WV LOOP. A FEW SCT SHRA WERE MAINLY EAST OF US 75. A
SECOND AREA OF PRECIP WAS MOVING NORTH THROUGH OKLAHOMA.

MODEL TRENDS CONTINUE TO MOVE THE H5 LOW AND ASSOCIATED SFC LOW EVER
SO SLIGHTLY TO THE EAST WHICH PULLS THE MAIN HEAVY SNOW AXIS TO THE
EAST AS WELL.  THE GFS/ECMWF ARE CLOSER TOGETHER THAN THE NAM WHICH
PULLS THE SYSTEM THE FARTHEST TO THE EAST SO WILL LEAN MORE ON THE
GFS/ECMWF.

EARLY TODAY...AS MULTIPLE SHWVS MOVE ACROSS THE CWA EARLY THIS
MORNING THERE WILL BE ENOUGH DYNAMIC COOLING TO ALLOW FOR SOME
FREEZING RAIN AND SLEET TO MIX WITH RAIN EARLY ON.  HOWEVER...SINCE
THE SYSTEM IS SO STRONG IT WONT TAKE LONG BEFORE ANY MIXED PRECIP
CHANGES COMPLETELY TO SNOW.  HAVE KEPT A MIX OVER THE WARNING AREA
EARLY ON BEFORE TRANSITIONING TO ALL SNOW NO LATER THAN THIS
AFTERNOON.

H5 NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN STREAM SYSTEMS WILL PHASE SOMETIME LATE
TONIGHT INTO FRIDAY MORNING.  THE RESULTANT SFC LOW WILL DEEPEN AS
IT MOVES INTO ARKANSAS LATER TONIGHT WITH THE MOST SIGNIFICANT
DEEPENING OCCURRING THIS EVENING TO LATE TONIGHT.  AT THIS TIME IT
LOOKS LIKE THE HEAVIER SNOW WILL FALL BETWEEN TONIGHT AND FRIDAY
MORNING AS THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ENERGY MOVES THROUGH...THE SYSTEM
BECOMES NEGATIVELY TILTED AND RAPID PRESSURE FALLS OCCUR.  WITH THE
TRACK FARTHER TO THE EAST...FEEL THAT OUR WESTERN CWA WILL NOT SEE
MUCH SNOW OUT OF THIS...MAYBE ONE TO TWO INCHES.  THAT SAID HAVE
DOWNGRADED THE WARNING IN THAT AREA TO A WINTER STORM ADVISORY.
FARTHER EAST...WITH THE AREA OF HEAVY SNOW REMAINING IN THE SAME
PLACE ALTHOUGH WITH SOMEWHAT LESSER AMOUNTS HAVE CONTINUED WITH THE
WS WARNING WITH STORM TOTAL 5 TO 7 INCHES ANTICIPATED.  IN ADDITION
TO WHATEVER SNOW FALLS...SUSTAINED WIND 25 TO 35 MPH WILL CREATE
TRAVEL HAZARDS AS SNOW BLOWS AROUND OVER ROADWAYS.  AS WIND
CONTINUES TO BE STRONG ON CHRISTMAS DAY...WIND CHILLS RANGING FROM 5
TO 15 BELOW WILL BE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE DAY ON CHRISTMAS.

AS THE H5 LOW SITS OVER IOWA FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY THERE IS
STILL A CHANCE FOR SNOW OVER MOSTLY THE NORTHERN HALF OF THE CWA.
HAVE GRADUALLY TAPERED OFF SNOW BY SATURDAY EVENING.

SUNDAY/MONDAY...DRY CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR NOW BUT COLD TEMPS WILL
LINGER.  MOST AREAS WILL NOT GET OUT OF THE 20S EITHER DAY BUT WILL
WARM TO NEAR FREEZING BY TUES/WED.

SALLY

&&

.TOP WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...WINTER STORM WARNING UNTIL 6 PM FRIDAY FOR KSZ010-KSZ011-KSZ012-
KSZ023-KSZ024-KSZ026-KSZ038-KSZ039-KSZ040-KSZ054-KSZ055-KSZ056-
KSZ058-KSZ059.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL 6 PM FRIDAY FOR KSZ008-KSZ009-
KSZ020-KSZ021-KSZ022-KSZ034-KSZ035-KSZ036-KSZ037.

&&
Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 24, 4:59 AM CST, 5 hours 1 minute before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TOPEKA KS
459 AM CST THU DEC 24 2009

KSZ008>012-020>024-026-034>040-054>056-058-059-251100-
REPUBLIC-WASHINGTON-MARSHALL-NEMAHA-BROWN-CLOUD-CLAY-RILEY-
POTTAWATOMIE-JACKSON-JEFFERSON-OTTAWA-DICKINSON-GEARY-MORRIS-
WABAUNSEE-SHAWNEE-DOUGLAS-LYON-OSAGE-FRANKLIN-COFFEY-ANDERSON-
459 AM CST THU DEC 24 2009

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EAST CENTRAL...NORTH
CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST KANSAS.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT
SNOW WILL DEVELOP THIS MORNING AND CONDITIONS WILL QUICKLY
DETERIORATE. ALONG THE US 75 CORRIDOR...PRECIPITATION WILL START
OUT AS RAIN AND WILL MIX WITH FREEZING RAIN AND SLEET BEFORE
QUICKLY CHANGING OVER TO SNOW BY THIS AFTERNOON. HEAVIER SNOW WILL
OCCUR LATER THIS EVENING THROUGH THE OVERNIGHT HOURS. WIND WILL
GUST UP TO 45 MPH RESULTING IN BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW AND NEAR
BLIZZARD CONDITIONS IN SOME AREAS.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY
SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CONTINUE ON FRIDAY. WIND AND SNOW WILL
START TO TAPER OFF ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON INTO THE EVENING LEAVING
BEHIND COLD AIR AND WIND CHILLS IN THE 5 TO 15 BELOW ZERO RANGE.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SNOWFALL AMOUNTS TO THE NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE IN TOPEKA.

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

17 winter storm, 17 blizzard. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Marshall

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Marshall forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.784, -96.523 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Marshall county. Spotters in Blue Rapids reported 9.5 to 10 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Marshall county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm, Nemaha

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Nemaha forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.784, -96.014 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Nemaha county. A spotter near Corning reported 16.0 inches of snow; while spotters near Seneca and Baileyville reported 13.5 to 14.0 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Nemaha county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm, Brown

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Brown forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.827, -95.564 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Brown county. Spotters in Horton reported around 8 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Brown county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm, Pottawatomie

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Pottawatomie forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.379, -96.342 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Pottawatomie county. Spotters near Onaga reported around 9 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Pottawatomie county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm, Jackson

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Jackson forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.417, -95.794 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Jackson county. Trained spotters in Holton reported around 10 inches of snow, and the local newspaper in Holton reported around 12 inches in the city. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Jackson county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Holton's Town Squre accumulated snow drifts around 5 feet high, but residents from around the county reported snow drifts as high as 15 feet. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow. Many vehicle accidents were reported on the roads throughout the county.

Winter Storm, Wabaunsee

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Wabaunsee forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.953, -96.205 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Wabaunsee county. Trained spotters throughout Wabaunsee county reported 7 to 9 inches of son; while spotters in Eskridge reported 10 inches throughout the event. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Wabaunsee county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm, Shawnee

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Shawnee forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.042, -95.756 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Shawnee county. Trained spotters near Topeka reported around 9 inches of snow. The ASOS station at Forbes Field south of Topeka reported a wind gust of 48 mph at 1:36 am, and trained spotters throughout Shawnee county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow. Many vehicle accidents were reported on the roads throughout the county.

Winter Storm, Jefferson

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Jefferson forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.236, -95.383 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Jefferson county. By the time the snow ended, Valley Falls reported around 8 inches, and Grantville received around 9 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Jefferson county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions.

Winter Storm, Douglas

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Douglas forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.885, -95.293 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Douglas county. By the time the snow ended, Lawrence received around 9 inches of snow, and Lecompton reported around 10 inches of snow. The Lawrence ASOS reported a wind gust of 45 mp at 1:03 am on December 25th. Trained spotters throughout Douglas county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Several vehicle accidents were reported in the county due to the treacherous travel conditions.

Winter Storm, Osage

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Osage forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.652, -95.727 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Osage county. Trained spotters in Carbondale reported around 10 inches of snow; while spotters near Osage City reported 13 inches. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Osage county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm, Lyon

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Lyon forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.456, -96.153 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Lyon county. Trained spotters in Neosho Rapids reported around 7 inches of snow; while reports from Emporia indicated around 10 inches of snow. The Emporia ASOS reported a wind gust of 54 mph at 1:20 am on December 25th. Trained spotters throughout Lyon county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm, Franklin

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Franklin forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.565, -95.286 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Franklin county. By the time the snow ended, places near Ottawa reported around 8 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Franklin county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many minor accidents were reported across Franklin county. Areas throughout the county experience brief power disruptions as a result of the storm.

Winter Storm, Coffey

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Coffey forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.237, -95.734 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Coffey county. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Coffey county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Winter Storm, Anderson

When
December 24, 10:00 AM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Anderson forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.214, -95.293 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Anderson county. By the time the snow ended, places near Garnett reported around 5 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Anderson county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions.

Winter Storm, Washington

When
December 24, 3:00 PM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Washington forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.784, -97.087 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell across Washington county starting on December 24th, and lasted through midday on Christmas day. The highest reported snow amount from the county was 7.4 inches out of the city of Barnes. Haddam, KS also came in just under 7.5 inches, and 5 inches of snow were reported out of Clifton, KS. Strong winds accompanied the storm, and caused blowing and drifting snow to occur along structures and across roads, making travel nearly impossible. Concordia's ASOS station reported a wind gust of 49 mph during the early morning hours on the 25th.

Winter Storm, Clay

When
December 24, 3:00 PM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Clay forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.350, -97.165 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell across Clay county starting on December 24th, and lasted through midday on Christmas day. The highest reported snow amount from the county was 6 inches out of Clay Center. Strong winds accompanied the storm, and caused blowing and drifting snow to occur along structures and across roads, making travel nearly impossible. Wind gusts of near 50 mph were reported from various ASOS stations throughout the area.

Winter Storm, Dickinson

When
December 24, 3:00 PM CST to December 25, 6:00 AM CST
Where
Dickinson forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.867, -97.153 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Light freezing rain, sleet, and snow flurries began falling on Wednesday December 23rd. Moderate to heavy snow fell across Dickinson county starting on December 24th, and lasted through midday on Christmas day. The highest reported snow amount from the county was around 6 inches out of Chapman, KS. Strong winds accompanied the storm, and caused blowing and drifting snow to occur along structures and across roads, making travel nearly impossible. Several nearby ASOS stations reported wind gusts of up to 50 mph throughout the night on Christmas Eve.

Blizzard, Lyon

When
December 24, 8:00 PM CST to December 25, 3:00 AM CST
Where
Lyon forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.456, -96.153 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Lyon county. Trained spotters in Neosho Rapids reported around 7 inches of snow; while reports from Emporia indicated around 10 inches of snow. The Emporia ASOS reported a wind gust of 54 mph at 1:20 am on December 25th. Trained spotters throughout Lyon county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard, Coffey

When
December 24, 8:00 PM CST to December 25, 3:00 AM CST
Where
Coffey forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.237, -95.734 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Coffey county. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Coffey county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard, Anderson

When
December 24, 8:00 PM CST to December 25, 2:00 AM CST
Where
Anderson forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.214, -95.293 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Anderson county. By the time the snow ended, places near Garnett reported around 5 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Anderson county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions.

Blizzard, Franklin

When
December 24, 8:00 PM CST to December 25, 2:00 AM CST
Where
Franklin forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.565, -95.286 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Franklin county. By the time the snow ended, places near Ottawa reported around 8 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Franklin county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many minor accidents were reported across Franklin county. Areas throughout the county experience brief power disruptions as a result of the storm.

Blizzard, Osage

When
December 24, 9:00 PM CST to December 25, 4:00 AM CST
Where
Osage forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.652, -95.727 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Osage county. Trained spotters in Carbondale reported around 10 inches of snow; while spotters near Osage City reported 13 inches. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Osage county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard, Douglas

When
December 24, 10:00 PM CST to December 25, 4:00 AM CST
Where
Douglas forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.885, -95.293 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Douglas county. By the time the snow ended, Lawrence received around 9 inches of snow, and Lecompton reported around 10 inches of snow. The Lawrence ASOS reported a wind gust of 45 mp at 1:03 am on December 25th. Trained spotters throughout Douglas county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Several vehicle accidents were reported in the county due to the treacherous travel conditions.

Blizzard, Jefferson

When
December 24, 10:00 PM CST to December 25, 4:00 AM CST
Where
Jefferson forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.236, -95.383 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Freezing rain began falling during the daytime hours on the 24th, with around .25 inch of ice accumulating on surfaces. By the evening of the 24th moderate to heavy snow fell across Jefferson county. By the time the snow ended, Valley Falls reported around 8 inches, and Grantville received around 9 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Jefferson county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions.

Blizzard, Riley

When
December 25, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where
Riley forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.297, -96.735 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Riley county. Several spotters in Manhattan reported over 9 inches of snow; while a spotter in Parallel reported over 6 inches of snow. Manhattan ASOS reported wind gusts of up to 30 mph; however, trained spotters throughout Riley county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard, Geary

When
December 25, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where
Geary forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.002, -96.752 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Geary county. Fort Riley reported 6.0 inches of snow between the 24th and 25th. Manhattan ASOS reported wind gusts of up to 30 mph; however, trained spotters throughout Geary county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard, Morris

When
December 25, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where
Morris forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.687, -96.650 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Morris county. Snow totals throughout the county varied between 4 and 7 inches, with spotters near White City reporting nearly 7 inches. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Morris county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard, Marshall

When
December 25, 12:00 AM CST to 4:00 AM CST
Where
Marshall forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.784, -96.523 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Marshall county. Spotters in Blue Rapids reported 9.5 to 10 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Marshall county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard, Nemaha

When
December 25, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where
Nemaha forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.784, -96.014 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Nemaha county. A spotter near Corning reported 16.0 inches of snow; while spotters near Seneca and Baileyville reported 13.5 to 14.0 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Nemaha county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard, Brown

When
December 25, 12:00 AM CST to 6:00 AM CST
Where
Brown forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.827, -95.564 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Brown county. Spotters in Horton reported around 8 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Brown county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard, Pottawatomie

When
December 25, 12:00 AM CST to 4:00 AM CST
Where
Pottawatomie forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.379, -96.342 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Pottawatomie county. Spotters near Onaga reported around 9 inches of snow. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph, and trained spotters throughout Pottawatomie county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard, Jackson

When
December 25, 12:00 AM CST to 4:00 AM CST
Where
Jackson forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.417, -95.794 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Jackson county. Trained spotters in Holton reported around 10 inches of snow, and the local newspaper in Holton reported around 12 inches in the city. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Jackson county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Holton's Town Squre accumulated snow drifts around 5 feet high, but residents from around the county reported snow drifts as high as 15 feet. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow. Many vehicle accidents were reported on the roads throughout the county.

Blizzard, Wabaunsee

When
December 25, 12:00 AM CST to 4:00 AM CST
Where
Wabaunsee forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.953, -96.205 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Wabaunsee county. Trained spotters throughout Wabaunsee county reported 7 to 9 inches of son; while spotters in Eskridge reported 10 inches throughout the event. Wind gusts in and around that area were as high as 50 mph and trained spotters throughout Wabaunsee county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow.

Blizzard, Shawnee

When
December 25, 12:00 AM CST to 4:00 AM CST
Where
Shawnee forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.042, -95.756 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate to heavy snow fell between December 24th and December 25th across Shawnee county. Trained spotters near Topeka reported around 9 inches of snow. The ASOS station at Forbes Field south of Topeka reported a wind gust of 48 mph at 1:36 am, and trained spotters throughout Shawnee county reported visibility less than 1/4 mile for several hours in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Aside from the lowered visibility, blowing and drifting snow caused treacherous travel conditions. Many roads were impassable as a result of blowing snow. Many vehicle accidents were reported on the roads throughout the county.

What these are

Winter Storm
A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
Blizzard
Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow that cuts visibility below a quarter mile for three hours or longer.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Kansas in 2009Every state in 2009This day in weather historyWarnings in Kansas, December 2009

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 208748, 208749, 208750, 208751, 208752, 208754, 208755, 208757, 208758, 208759, 208760, 208761, 208762, 208763, 208267, 208352, 208355, 208734, 208736, 208737, 208740, 208735, 208741, 208743, 208357, 208360, 208367, 208726, 208728, 208730, 208731, 208732, 208733, 208747.