Spring snow storm recap

KDOT crews across Western Kansas worked to clear the roads  during the snow storm that took place last weekend. This photo is from U.S. 83 south of Garden City. Photo courtesy of  Leland Hunsley

We’ve all heard the saying “April showers bring May flowers.” For the eastern half of the state, the month of April ended with plenty of rain but some Kansans were bombarded with several inches of snow over the weekend.

Western Kansas received several inches of snow  over the weekend. KDOT crews worked to clear the roads and keep Kansas moving. Courtesy photo. 

This rare mid-spring snow storm prompted road and highway closures across Western Kansas due to weather conditions, reduced visibility, and lodging concerns. Several communities lost power for periods of time during the storm.

Parts of Northwest Kansas received approximately 20 inches of snow. This photo shows
The process of clearing I-70 near Levant.  

 Some parts of Northwest Kansas received approximately 20 inches of snow, and the precipitation amounts in extreme Southwest Kansas were also more than a foot.

Lisa Knoll, the KDOT Public Affairs Manager from the District Office in Garden City, said KDOT crews faced high winds, power outages, downed power poles, and high snow drifts while clearing the roads. Loose livestock in Kearny County created additional problems.

“Livestock often end up loose due to downed fences or snow drifts high enough for the cows to cross,” Knoll said. “Approximately 40 cows got loose Saturday night and crossed U.S. 50 and wandered into Lakin. They spent Sunday afternoon wandering and then spent the night in a backyard before being corralled Monday afternoon.”

Due to high snow drifts, livestock in Kearney County were able to escape and visit Lakin for
several hours before being rounded up. Courtesy photo. 

Knoll also said that KDOT crews assisted stranded motorists while clearing the roadways.

In an article by the Wichita Eagle, Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Hileman said that as of Sunday Evening, more than 30 motorists reported “slide-outs” in Northwest Kansas and there had been at least two non-injury crashes.

KDOT crews across Western Kansas worked to clear the roads  during the snow storm that took place last weekend. This photo is from U.S. 83 south of Garden City. Photo courtesy of  Leland Hunsley

While spring snow storms may not happen often, this weekend proved that weather conditions in Kansas can be unpredictable. Motorists need to be prepared for the unexpected and monitor road conditions before traveling long distances.

KDOT crews across Western Kansas worked to clear the roads  during the snow storm that took place last weekend. This photo is from U.S. 83 south of Garden City. Photo courtesy of  Leland Hunsley

You can be prepared by accessing www.kandrive.org or by calling 511 to stay up to date on Kansas road conditions that may be impacted by weather or construction delays.