Mandy
Heavy snow began falling across southwest Kansas early Friday morning and quickly intensified, creating dangerous travel conditions by the afternoon.
By around 4 p.m., Garden City had recorded approximately 7 inches of snow, while Morton County saw reports of snowfall reaching 11 inches, according to KSN Storm Track 3.
Highways Turn Snow-Packed and Icy
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) confirmed that highways in southwest Kansas became snow-covered and icy, making driving hazardous. Although road crews were actively plowing, KDOT explained that snowfall was so intense that cleared roads were being covered again within minutes.
Officials strongly advised motorists to stay off the roads unless travel was absolutely necessary.
Local Law Enforcement Reports Severe Conditions
The Finney County Sheriff’s Office described road conditions as “terrible,” noting that some areas were completely impassable due to slick surfaces and traffic backups.
Meanwhile, the Garden City Police Department responded to several vehicle crashes, most of which occurred outside city limits. While city crews worked throughout the day to improve road conditions, police warned that dropping overnight temperatures could cause previously wet areas to freeze and become dangerously slick.
In Hodgeman County, the sheriff’s office shared images on social media showing extremely poor visibility, urging residents to remain at home if possible.
KDOT Winter Driving Safety Tips
For drivers who must travel during winter storm conditions, KDOT recommends the following precautions:
- Give snowplows plenty of space to operate safely
- Plan for extra travel time
- Increase following distance between vehicles
- Wear seat belts and adjust speed to road conditions
The winter storm in southwest Kansas brought heavy snowfall, icy highways, and poor visibility, significantly affecting travel across multiple counties. Despite continuous efforts by road crews and first responders, conditions remained dangerous due to rapidly accumulating snow and falling temperatures.
Officials continue to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay informed, and prioritize safety until conditions improve.