Kansas City Hit by Winter Storm, Schools Close Amid Snowfall

Kansas City residents woke up to a winter wonderland Friday morning as a winter storm brought steady snowfall, impacting road conditions and prompting widespread school closures. The storm, which began overnight, has left 1 to 3 inches of snow across the metro area, with heavier accumulations in eastern Kansas and western Missouri.

The snowfall has led to slushy and snow-covered roads, particularly in neighborhoods and on side streets. Major highways, including I-435 and I-70, have also been affected, with reports of accidents and stranded motorists. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 47 calls overnight, including 30 stranded motorists and 7 crashes. Troopers urged drivers to slow down and increase following distances during the morning commute.

School districts across the region have responded to the weather with closures or shifts to virtual learning. As of 6 a.m., 122 schools had announced closures, up from 73 at midnight. Districts such as Olathe, Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission, and Kansas City Public Schools have canceled in-person classes, while others, including Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs, have moved to online instruction.

Road crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) have been working around the clock to clear roads. MoDOT workers, who have been on 12-hour rotations since last weekend, are focusing on treating trouble spots and clearing snow. Despite their efforts, officials advise drivers to stay off the roads if possible and to exercise caution if travel is necessary.

The snow is expected to taper off by mid-morning, with drier conditions forecast for the afternoon. However, temperatures are expected to drop into the teens overnight, potentially creating icy conditions on Saturday morning. Another chance of flurries is predicted for Saturday night into Sunday, keeping winter weather concerns alive through the weekend.

Residents are reminded to clear snow and ice from their vehicles before driving, as flying debris from improperly cleared cars can pose hazards. A recent incident in Chase County, Kansas, highlighted the dangers when a piece of ice shattered a semi-truck’s windshield, causing minor injuries to the driver.

For those who must travel, officials recommend dressing warmly, allowing extra time, and keeping emergency numbers handy. In Kansas, stranded motorists can call *47, while in Missouri, *55 connects drivers with state troopers for assistance.