Kansas, 2011

Blizzard and Winter Storm in Kansas, February 1, 2011

February 1, 2011 · NWS ICT · 26 events in 26 counties and zones

A massive winter storm of historic proportions affected the region from the early morning hours January 31st through the evening hours February 1st. Precipitation started out as freezing drizzle on the 31st, with snow expanding across the area during the evening and overnight hours.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 26 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
1
Injuries
4
Property damage
$54,000
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
26

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 ICT wrote it up.

A massive winter storm of historic proportions affected the region from the early morning hours January 31st through the evening hours February 1st. Precipitation started out as freezing drizzle on the 31st, with snow expanding across the area during the evening and overnight hours. The snow, which was moderate to heavy and times, persisted through the 1st, tapering to flurries by evening on the 1st. The highest accumulations occurred generally southeast of the Kansas Turnpike corridor, where accumulations exceeded 6 inches. However, far southeast Kansas saw the highest accumulations, with amounts exceeding one foot. The highest amount received was a little over 18 inches over southeast Labette county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifts, some of which exceeded 4 feet tall. Additionally, temperatures in the single digits and teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings as cold as -30 degrees, coldest over central Kansas. The heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and bitter cold wind chills closed numerous schools, businesses and government offices. City and county snow removal crews were overwhelmed by the heavy snow and big drifts. Consequently, travel and commerce were brought to a standstill. At Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, dozens of arrivals and departures were canceled. Where snow was heaviest over far southeast Kansas, National Guard personnel were deployed to assist transporting medical personnel from their homes to area hospitals to perform their essential, life-saving duties. The governor issued an emergency declaration for 53 counties, including most areas along and east of I-135. Numerous vehicle accidents and slide-offs occurred across the area, with a handful of injuries reported. Unfortunately, one fatality occurred on February 2nd in Wichita, when a train struck a car stuck in snow on railroad tracks.

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 Wichita, KS wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 31, 11:50 PM CST, 10 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 31, 11:50 PM CST, 10 minutes before
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
1150 PM CST MON JAN 31 2011

.AVIATION...06Z TAFS KRSL/KSLN/KHUT/KICT/KCNU

LIGHT SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND IN COVERAGE ACROSS CENTRAL AND
SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS TONIGHT WHILE A RAPIDLY DEVELOPING AREA OF OF
MIXED PRECIPITATION WAS ADVANCING NORTH ACROSS EASTERN OKLAHOMA
AND WILL IMPACT SOUTHEAST KANSAS AND THE KCNU TERMINAL AROUND 07Z.
WIDESPREAD MVFR/IFR WILL CONTINUE TO DETERIORATE GRADUALLY
PREVAILING IN THE IFR/LIFR CATEGORIES DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
AND INTO THE DAY ON TUESDAY. THE MORE INTENSE AREA OF
PRECIPITATION WAS IMPACTING EASTERN OKLAHOMA AND BEGINNING TO LIFT
INTO SOUTHEAST KANSAS AROUND MIDNIGHT. AS STRONG COUPLED FORCING
ARRIVES ACROSS THE AREA EARLY THIS MORNING...MODERATE/HEAVY SNOW
IS EXPECTED TO COMBINE WITH NORTHWEST WINDS GUSTING TO 35+ KNOTS
DRIVING VISIBILITIES TO AROUND 1/4 MILE AT TIMES. FLIGHT
CATEGORIES ARE EXPECTED TO IMPROVE DURING THE EVENING HOURS ON TUESDAY.

MCGUIRE

PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 332 PM CST MON JAN 31 2011/

DISCUSSION...
MAIN FORECAST CONCERNS WILL FOCUS ON THE POWERFUL WINTER STORM
SYSTEM AFFECTING THE AREA LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THE DAY AND NIGHT
ON TUESDAY...ALONG WITH ANOTHER ARCTIC BLAST AND DANGEROUSLY COLD
WIND CHILL READINGS.

TONIGHT
LIGHT SNOW WILL CONTINUE ACROSS CENTRAL KANSAS TONIGHT AND GRADUALLY
SPREAD SOUTHWARD WITH SOME LIGHT ACCUMULATIONS EXPECTED.
MEANWHILE...OCCASIONAL LIGHT FREEZING DRIZZLE OR LIGHT SNOW WILL
AFFECT SOUTH CENTRAL/SOUTHEAST KANSAS THROUGH THE EVENING HOURS.
THE BULK OF THE HEAVY SNOW WILL DEVELOP OVER OKLAHOMA TONIGHT AND
SPREAD NORTHWARD INTO SOUTHERN KANSAS AROUND DAYBREAK...AS DEEP INTENSE
ISENTROPIC LIFT MATERIALIZES NORTH OF MATURING STORM CENTER.

TUE-THU
THE STRONG UPPER JET DYNAMICS WILL SHIFT NORTH ACROSS CENTRAL AND
EASTERN KANSAS DURING THE DAY TOMORROW...WITH A PROLONGED PERIOD
OF DEEP ISENTROPIC LIFT WITH-IN THE TROWAL AXIS. THIS WILL RESULT
IN WIDESPREAD SNOW AFFECTING THE ENTIRE AREA MAINLY DURING THE
DAYTIME HOURS ON TUESDAY. ALL MODELS AND SREF SNOW RATE INDEX VALUES
CONTINUE TO HIGHLIGHT SOUTHEAST KANSAS WITH 1-2"/HR SNOW FALL
RATES DURING THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON HOURS ON TUESDAY...WITH
LESSER SNOW RATES OVER CENTRAL/SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS. THE NORTH
WINDS WILL BE BECOME QUITE STRONG AND GUSTY AS THE SURFACE
PRESSURE GRADIENT TIGHTENS UP FROM THE MATURING STORM SYSTEM...THIS
WILL RESULT IN BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOW ACROSS THE ENTIRE REGION.
THE COMBINATION OF HIGHER SNOWFALL RATES AND GUSTY WINDS COULD CREATE
NEAR ZERO VISIBILITIES AND WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS AT TIMES FOR
SOUTHEAST KANSAS...THUS WE WILL UPGRADE THIS AREA TO A BLIZZARD
WARNING. SNOWFALL AMOUNTS WILL RANGE FROM 1-3" CENTRAL KANSAS...3-6"
FOR SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS...6-14" FOR SOUTHEAST KANSAS.

IN ADDITION...WIND CHILL READINGS WILL DROP WELL BELOW ZERO DURING
THE DAY ON TUESDAY AND REACH THE VERY DANGEROUS CATEGORY FOR CENTRAL
KANSAS BY LATE TUESDAY NIGHT/EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING WITH VALUES
AROUND -25 DEGREES.

JAKUB

EXTENDED: FRIDAY-MONDAY
KANSAS TRANSITIONS FROM "TWEENER" SPLIT UPPER FLOW PATTERN ON
FRIDAY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A DEEPER LONGWAVE TROF ACROSS THE
MIDWEST/CENTRAL CONUS BY SUNDAY AND MONDAY. THE SOUTHERN TROF
IS EXPECTED TO STAY WELL SOUTH OF THE AREA ON FRIDAY...WITH A
GRADUAL MODERATION IN TEMPERATURES INTO SATURDAY. THE EXPECTED
LINGERING SNOW COVER FROM THE EARLY WEEK SYSTEM WILL STILL
IMPACT TEMPERATURES ACROSS SOUTHEAST KANSAS TO THE COLDER
SIDE...THOUGH LESSENING BY THE WEEKEND. CYCLOGENESIS IN THE LEE
OF THE ROCKIES INTO THE PANHANDLES LOOKS TO DEVELOP ON SUNDAY AS
A STRONGER TROF IN THE DEEPENING LONGWAVE DIVES SOUTH ACROSS THE
ROCKIES. THE MEDIUM RANGE MODELS SUGGEST A PIECE OF THE ENERGY
WILL EJECT EAST-NORTHEAST ACROSS THE AREA BY SUNDAY NIGHT AND
MONDAY WITH SOME POTENTIAL FOR LIGHT WINTRY PRECIP/MAINLY SNOW
ACROSS THE AREA.

DARMOFAL

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
WICHITA-KICT    10  12   4  11 /  90 100  30  10
HUTCHINSON       8  10   3  11 /  90  90  30  10
NEWTON          10  12   2  10 /  90 100  40  10
ELDORADO        12  14   3   9 /  90 100  40  10
WINFIELD-KWLD   13  15   4  11 /  90 100  30  10
RUSSELL          3   5  -1  10 /  90  80  20  10
GREAT BEND       4   6   0  11 /  90  80  20  10
SALINA           6   8   1  11 /  90  90  40  10
MCPHERSON        7   9   2  10 /  90 100  30  10
COFFEYVILLE     20  23   7  11 /  90 100  50  10
CHANUTE         20  22   6   9 /  90 100  60  10
IOLA            19  21   5   9 /  90 100  60  10
PARSONS-KPPF    20  22   6  10 /  90 100  60  10

&&

.ICT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
WINTER STORM WARNING UNTIL 6 AM CST TUESDAY FOR KSZ071-072-
094>096-098>100.

BLIZZARD WARNING FROM 6 AM TUESDAY TO 6 AM CST WEDNESDAY FOR
KSZ071-072-094>096-098>100.

WINTER STORM WARNING UNTIL 6 AM CST WEDNESDAY FOR KSZ049-051>053-
068>070-083-092-093.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY UNTIL 6 AM CST WEDNESDAY FOR KSZ032-033-
047-048-050-067-082-091.

&&
Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 31, 8:53 PM CST, 3 hours 7 minutes before
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WICHITA KS
853 PM CST MON JAN 31 2011

KSZ032-033-047>053-067>072-082-083-091>096-098>100-012200-
RUSSELL-LINCOLN-BARTON-ELLSWORTH-SALINE-RICE-MCPHERSON-MARION-CHASE-
RENO-HARVEY-BUTLER-GREENWOOD-WOODSON-ALLEN-KINGMAN-SEDGWICK-HARPER-
SUMNER-COWLEY-ELK-WILSON-NEOSHO-CHAUTAUQUA-MONTGOMERY-LABETTE-
853 PM CST MON JAN 31 2011

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

.DAY ONE...TONIGHT
LIGHT SNOW OVER CENTRAL AND PORTIONS OF SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS THIS
EVENING WILL SPREAD EAST OVERNIGHT WITH LIGHT ACCUMULATIONS UP TO AN
INCH EXPECTED BY DAYBREAK. MEANWHILE LIGHT FREEZING DRIZZLE OVER
SOUTHEAST KANSAS THIS EVENING WILL TRANSITION TO ALL SNOW AROUND
MIDNIGHT...PLEASE SEE LATEST WINTER HEADLINES FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION.

IN ADDITION...WIND CHILL READINGS WILL RANGE FROM ZERO TO 15 BELOW
FOR MUCH OF THE REGION TONIGHT.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

THE SNOW WILL INTENSIFY OVER MUCH OF THE REGION ON TUESDAY MORNING
AND PERSIST THROUGH THE AFTERNOON HOURS...ESPECIALLY FOR LOCATIONS EAST
OF THE KANSAS TURNPIKE. NORTH WINDS BETWEEN 25 TO 35 MPH WITH
HIGHER GUSTS WILL CAUSE BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF THE SNOW. THESE
STRONG WINDS WILL ALSO PRODUCE DANGEROUSLY COLD WIND CHILLS AREA
WIDE ON TUESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY MORNING. FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
PLEASE REFER TO THE LATEST BLIZZARD WARNING...WINTER STORM
WARNING...AND WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY PRODUCTS.

WIND CHILLS IN THE MINUS 15 TO MINUS 20 DEGREE RANGE WILL BE IN
PLACE AREA WIDE FOR EARLY THURSDAY MORNING.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

SKYWARN SPOTTER ACTIVATION IS NOT ANTICIPATED TONIGHT.

&&

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

MCGUIRE

The radar

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

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

9 winter storm, 9 winter weather, 8 blizzard. Local standard time, as filed.

Blizzard, Woodson

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Woodson forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
37.887, -95.740 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the predawn hours into the afternoon hours on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced anywhere from 8 to 12 inches snow accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with 4 foot drifts. Additionally, temperatures in the teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 degrees.

Blizzard, Allen

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Allen forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.886, -95.301 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the predawn hours into the afternoon hours on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced around 12 inches snow accumulation in the Iola area. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting. Additionally, temperatures in the teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 degrees.

Blizzard, Elk

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Elk forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.454, -96.244 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced about 8 inches snow accumulation in the Howard area, with drifts up to 4 feet. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times countywide. Additionally, temperatures in the single digits and teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 to -20 degrees.

Blizzard, Wilson

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Wilson forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.559, -95.743 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the predawn hours into the afternoon hours on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced anywhere from 8 to 10 inches snow accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with drifts up to 4 feet. Additionally, temperatures in the teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 degrees.

Blizzard, Neosho

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Neosho forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.559, -95.307 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the predawn hours into the afternoon hours on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced anywhere from 10 to 14 inches snow accumulation across the county, highest over eastern portions of the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting. Additionally, temperatures in the teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 degrees.

Blizzard, Chautauqua

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Chautauqua forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.150, -96.245 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the predawn hours through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced about 9 inches snow accumulation in the Sedan area, with around 11 inches in the Chautauqua area. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting snow. Additionally, temperatures in the single digits and teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 to -20 degrees.

Blizzard, Montgomery

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Montgomery forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.193, -95.743 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

COOP Observers reported anywhere from 8 to 12 inches snow accumulation across the county, with 12 to 16 inches over mainly southeast portions of the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with drifts up to 4 feet. Additionally, temperatures in the teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 degrees. The Independence Daily Reporter contributed to this report.

Blizzard, Labette

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Labette forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.191, -95.298 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

COOP Observers reported anywhere from 11 to 18 inches snow accumulation across the county, highest over eastern and southern portions of the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blizzard conditions at times, along with 4 to 5 foot drifts. Additionally, temperatures in the teens in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -15 degrees.

Winter Storm, Marion

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Marion forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
38.359, -97.097 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle and sleet affected the county from around midnight through late morning on the 31st, creating slick roads and aiding in numerous vehicle accidents and slide-offs countywide. Property damage estimates are given in the January write-up of this event. Thereafter, from the late evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow affected the county. Law enforcement reported 6 inches snow accumulation in Florence. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees. The Peabody Gazette-Bulletin contributed to this report.

Winter Storm, Chase

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Chase forecast zone
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
38.302, -96.594 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced 5 to 6 inches snow accumulation in the Cottonwood Falls area, with drifts up to 3.5 feet. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times countywide. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees.

Winter Storm, Reno

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Reno forecast zone
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
37.953, -98.086 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from early morning through early afternoon on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced up to 6 inches in the Haven area. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting snow. In Pretty Prairie, an abandoned building's roof collapsed due to the snow's weight coupled with the strong winds. Property damage amounts are rough estimates. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -25 degrees.

Winter Storm, Harvey

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Harvey forecast zone
Injuries
0 direct, 4 indirect
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
38.043, -97.427 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced 5 to 6 inches snow accumulation in the Newton area. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting snow. Numerous vehicle accidents and slide-offs were reported, some of which included injuries. Property damage amounts are rough estimates. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -25 degrees. The Newton Kansas contributed to this report.

Winter Storm, Butler

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Butler forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.781, -96.839 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced up to 7 inches snow accumulation in the El Dorado area, with around 6 inches in Rose Hill and Augusta. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts of 40 to 45 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees.

Winter Storm, Greenwood

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Greenwood forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.878, -96.233 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the predawn hours through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced around 8 inches snow accumulation in the Madison area, with around 6 inches in Eureka. Drifts up to 2 feet were common. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees.

Winter Storm, Sedgwick

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Sedgwick forecast zone
Deaths
0 direct, 1 indirect
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
37.685, -97.461 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced 6.5 inches snow accumulation 4 miles southeast of downtown Wichita. The Wichita area received generally 4 to 6 inches snow accumulation. Dozens of arrivals and departures were canceled at Mid-Continent Airport. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times, along with extensive drifting snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -25 degrees. One fatality occurred in Wichita on February 2nd when a train struck a car stuck in snow on railroad tracks near 20th and Topeka. Property damage amounts are rough estimates. The Wichita Eagle contributed to this report.

Winter Storm, Sumner

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Sumner forecast zone
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Law Enforcement
Coordinates
37.237, -97.477 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced up to 6 inches snow accumulation in the Wellington area, with drifts up to 2 feet. One vehicle accident was reported in the Wellington area. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times countywide. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees. Property damage amounts are rough estimates. The Wellington Daily News contributed to this report.

Winter Storm, Cowley

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:30 PM CST
Where
Cowley forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
37.238, -96.837 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of moderate to heavy snow produced up to 9.5 inches snow accumulation in Arkansas City, with around 7.5 inches in Winfield. Drifts up to 2 feet were common. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced near-blizzard conditions at times countywide. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees.

Winter Weather, Russell

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 5:00 PM CST
Where
Russell forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
38.915, -98.762 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through late morning on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the afternoon on the 31st through the late afternoon on February 1st, areas of light to moderate snow produced 1 to 3 inches accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Additionally, temperatures near zero in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -30 degrees.

Winter Weather, Lincoln

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 5:00 PM CST
Where
Lincoln forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
39.045, -98.208 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through late morning on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the afternoon on the 31st through the late afternoon on February 1st, areas of light to moderate snow produced 1 to 3 inches accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Additionally, temperatures near zero in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -30 degrees.

Winter Weather, Barton

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 5:00 PM CST
Where
Barton forecast zone
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Newspaper
Coordinates
38.479, -98.756 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of light to moderate snow affected the county from the afternoon hours on the 31st through the late afternoon hours on February 1st. Accumulations ranged from 1 to 3 inches countywide. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Vehicle accidents and slide-offs across the county were minimal. Additionally, temperatures near zero in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -30 degrees. Property damage amounts are rough estimates. The Great Bend Tribune contributed to this report.

Winter Weather, Ellsworth

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 5:00 PM CST
Where
Ellsworth forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
38.697, -98.205 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through late morning on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the afternoon on the 31st through the late afternoon on February 1st, areas of light to moderate snow produced 2 to 4 inches accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Additionally, temperatures near zero in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -30 degrees.

Winter Weather, Saline

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where
Saline forecast zone
Reported by
Newspaper
Coordinates
38.784, -97.650 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through late morning on the 31st produced slick roads and numerous vehicle accidents and slide-offs countywide. One such accident proved fatal (location, gender and age unknown), and at least one other produced injuries (number of injuries unknown). Other numerous injuries were reported due to other mishaps dealing with the ice. Injuries and property damage estimates were documented in the January write-up for this event. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of light to moderate snow produced 2 to 4 inches accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -25 degrees. The Salina Journal contributed to this report.

Winter Weather, Rice

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where
Rice forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
38.347, -98.201 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through late morning on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of light to moderate snow produced 1 to 3 inches accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -25 degrees.

Winter Weather, McPherson

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 10:00 PM CST
Where
McPherson forecast zone
Reported by
Newspaper
Coordinates
38.392, -97.648 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from around midnight through late morning on the 31st produced slick roads and numerous vehicle accidents and slide-offs countywide. One injury accident was reported along I-135, producing one known injury. The injury and estimated property damages were documented in the January write-up for this event. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of light to moderate snow produced 1 to 3 inches accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting of snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to -25 degrees. The Hutchinson News contributed to this report.

Winter Weather, Kingman

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where
Kingman forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.559, -98.136 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of snow produced up to 3 to 4 inches snow accumulation across mainly southern and eastern portions of the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees.

Winter Weather, Harper

When
February 1, 12:00 AM CST to 7:00 PM CST
Where
Harper forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
37.192, -98.075 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Areas of freezing drizzle from the early morning through the noon hour on the 31st produced slick roads countywide. Thereafter, from the evening on the 31st through the early evening on February 1st, areas of snow produced up to 5 inches snow accumulation across the county. Sustained north to northwest winds of 25 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, produced blowing and drifting snow. Additionally, single digit temperatures in concert with the strong winds resulted in wind chill readings down to around -20 to -25 degrees.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

EventDateAgeSexWhereKind
Winter Storm, Sedgwick2011-02-0250FemaleVehicle/Towed TrailerIndirect

What these are

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.
Winter Storm
A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
Winter Weather
Snow, sleet or freezing rain below warning levels that still caused disruption, damage or casualties.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Kansas in 2011Every state in 2011This day in weather historyWarnings in Kansas, February 2011

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: 281132, 281133, 281134, 281135, 281136, 281137, 281138, 281139, 281140, 281141, 281142, 281143, 281144, 281145, 281146, 281147, 281148, 281149, 281150, 281151, 281152, 281153, 281154, 281155, 281156, 281157.