Winter weather is arriving in the Kansas City metro, and cities across the area are moving quickly to prepare for the first measurable snowfall of the season.
Road crews, snow teams, and public workers are getting an early start to make sure residents can travel safely, even as temperatures drop and roads become slick. Here is a clear and simple breakdown of how each city is handling the upcoming winter event.
Kansas City, Missouri Gets an Early Start
Kansas City, Missouri began preparing on Sunday night. Public works teams started pre-treating more than 130 major road routes to stop ice from sticking and reduce dangerous driving conditions.
Because of the weather, the city announced that trash, recycling, and brush pickup scheduled for Monday will be delayed until Tuesday. Mayor Quinton Lucas also confirmed that the city’s snow command center will operate throughout the storm to support smooth winter operations.
Early Morning Crews Across Kansas Metro
Many cities in the Kansas metro area are sending public works teams out long before sunrise to avoid heavy traffic and reduce accidents.
Merriam, Kansas
Crews will begin at 4 a.m. on Monday. They will treat the main roads first to make the morning commute safer. City leaders are reminding drivers to slow down, keep distance from other vehicles, and allow extra time when traveling.
Gardner, Kansas
Overnight crews in Gardner will treat streets before sunrise. Officials also request that residents give snowplows plenty of room to operate safely.
Edwardsville, Kansas
Public works teams in Edwardsville will also begin their workday at 4 a.m. They plan to pretreat roads early and continue operations throughout the evening as snow develops.
Road Treatment and Plowing in Missouri and Kansas
Grandview, Missouri
In Grandview, crews will begin pre-treating main roads at 6 a.m. As snow starts to fall and build up, workers will switch to plowing. They will operate in 12-hour shifts to keep the roads clear and safe.
Shawnee, Kansas
Shawnee will have crews working through the night. Their plan includes:
- Beginning treatment on arterial and residential roads at midnight
- Morning crews taking over at 7 a.m.
- Continuing plowing and treatment throughout the snowfall
Kansas City, Kansas
Unified Government crews in Kansas City, Kansas will report at 7:30 a.m. for treatment work. Snowfall is expected to accumulate between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with temperatures near freezing likely making roads slippery.
Crews will focus on major “Hot Routes” first, then treat secondary roads, and finally move into neighborhood streets.
City Preparation Overview
Below is a simple table showing how each city is preparing:
| City | Start Time | Main Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, Missouri | Sunday night | Pretreating 130 routes; delaying services; snow command center |
| Merriam, Kansas | 4 a.m. | Treating major roads; commute safety |
| Grandview, Missouri | 6 a.m. | Pretreating routes; 12-hour plowing shifts |
| Shawnee, Kansas | Midnight | Road treatment; plowing; shift change at 7 a.m. |
| Kansas City, Kansas | 7:30 a.m. | Hot Routes; secondary streets; neighborhoods |
| Edwardsville, Kansas | 4 a.m. | Pretreating and clearing roads |
| Gardner, Kansas | Before sunrise | Street treatment; plow safety reminders |
Safety Reminders for Drivers
Cities across the metro are warning drivers to be cautious during the snowfall. Slippery roads can lead to more accidents, especially during the morning commute.
Drivers should reduce speed, give snowplows space to work, and check weather updates regularly. Being patient and prepared can help prevent unnecessary accidents during the winter season.
Cities across the Kansas City metro are taking clear and early steps to prepare for the first snowfall of the season. With overnight crews, early-morning treatment plans, and dedicated snowplow operations, local governments are working hard to keep roads safe and services running.
Residents can support these efforts by driving slowly, following city updates, and giving crews enough space to operate. A little caution can make winter travel much safer for everyone.




