May 2, 2013 and it’s SNOWING!

It’s May 2, 2013 and it’s snowing! The temperature has dropped, the wind is blowing, the day also saw rain, sleet and it’s supposed to snow most of the night. And for the tulips around Olathe City Hall, well, it might be a long, cold, rough night! Photos by Chuck Kurtz

Winter weather update for Olathe

Crews continue 24/7 snow operations with large trucks focused on main roadways (arterials and collector streets) and smaller trucks moving into residential areas.  Road conditions are slick and drivers can expect windrows (piled snow) at intersections.  This is unavoidable given the amount of snow accumulation.

“Because of the volume of wet, heavy snow, our progress isn’t as quick as usual,” said Public Works Director Ron Norris.  “Our vehicles have been running non-stop, and we have a few plows down as a result. We’ll move larger trucks into neighborhoods as soon as possible.  We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our residents,” Norris said.

Prepare for Storm No. 2 urge Johnson County Sheriff’s Department

A second winter storm is moving into Kansas bringing with it the potential for freezing rain, sleet, ice and 6-12 inches of snow for a large portion of the state.  Officials are urging everyone to prepare now for this storm by making sure your home and car are supplied with emergency kits and supplies such as food, water, medicine, blankets and other essential items.

Last week’s snow event gave us a precursor for what to expect.  Preparing early with the proper supplies will enable residents to stay off the roads when the storm arrives.  If you must travel in the upcoming winter storm, please check the following items to prepare your vehicle. Check the fluids, ensuring that the radiator is winterized, the gas tank is over half-full, and there is plenty of windshield washing fluid.  Additionally, when on the road, leave extra room between cars, slow down and make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt.  Cell phones need to be fully charged as well.  Please exercise caution and patience as we all work together to get through round two.

If you are on the road and find yourself needing assistance during the storm please call 911 or *47 for the Kansas Highway Patrol.  Before heading out you can check road conditions at www.kandrive.org .

 

Related articles

• Kansans Urged To Prepare For Second Winter Storm (wibw.com)
• 2nd Blizzard Bearing Down On Plains Region (npr.org)
• Here we go again! Storm aims at Texas, Kan., Okla. (usnews.nbcnews.com)