Hays Post

Oh, the weather outside is frightful — but it could be worse.

While forecasters say a bout of winter weather is on the way, it appears Ellis County will dodge the brunt of the storm. Those traveling outside the region face a different weather picture.

The front is moving from Liberal and Dodge City to the northeast, bringing with it a mix of snow, ice and sleet, the National Weather Service in Dodge City reported.

“We’re appearing to be on the fringe of it,” said Bill Ring of Ellis County Emergency Management, noting those traveling east could encounter the wintry mix.

Friday night will bring a 20 percent chance of snow in Ellis County, with snow all but certain by Saturday afternoon and evening. The NWS is expecting 2 to 6 inches of snow by the end of Saturday. The temperature is expected to drop to 17 by Saturday night before gradually  returning to the mid-30s next week.

Travelers will be relieved, Ring said, the northwest Kansas wind ail begin to taper off as the snow arrives, however.

While the wind reached 20 mph early Friday morning, he said by Sunday evening there should be nearly no wind.

“Through Monday, it’s looking the same way, and no more moisture is forecast,” Ring said.

The temperature is expected to rise early next week, with a forecasted high of 38 to 39 degrees by Christmas Eve.

“It would look nice if we had (a white Christmas), but at least the wind won’t be howling,” Ring said.

He advised travelers to follow commonsense precautions, including having an emergency kit on hand. Stranded motorists should always stay with their vehicle, he added, noting it is easy to become disoriented and exhausted while out in the elements.

The Kansas Department of Transportation offered the following winter driving tips:

• Clean frost and snow off windows, mirrors and lights, and use headlight.

• Slow down, accelerate and brake gently, and increase following distance between other vehicles.

• Don’t use cruise control.

• Allow for more travel time.

• Always wear a seat belt, and secure children in the proper child safety seats.

• Slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and maintenance crews.

If you are involved in a traffic crash or need assistance, call 91, or contact the Kansas Highway Patrol at *47 from a cellphone. Call *582 on the Kansas Turnpike.

To find out road conditions, call 511 or view conditions at www.kandrive.org.