Wichita, Kansas – Snow will begin falling across central Kansas as early as 8 p.m. Friday, coating major highways including I-135 and creating slick travel conditions before daybreak Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wichita, a band of light snow will overspread the region from northwest to southeast between 6 p.m. and midnight, continuing through the overnight hours before tapering off between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Saturday. Most locations across central Kansas, including Salina, Hutchinson and Great Bend, are expected to receive between 1 and 2 inches of snow, with locally higher totals up to 4 inches possible in isolated spots.
Snow is forecast to begin first near Russell and Great Bend early this evening, reaching Salina and Hutchinson by mid-evening, and spreading into Wichita, Emporia and Winfield closer to 10 p.m. to midnight. Roads including I-70 near Salina, K-96 through Hutchinson and US-281 near Great Bend will likely become snow-covered overnight as temperatures remain below freezing.
In Wichita, totals are expected to range from a trace to 1 inch, but even light accumulation could create slick bridges and overpasses along I-135 and Kellogg Drive. Snow should end from west to east before sunrise, though untreated surfaces may remain icy into Saturday morning.
Drivers are urged to reduce speeds, allow extra stopping distance and check Kansas Department of Transportation road conditions before traveling overnight. Conditions should gradually improve by late Saturday morning as snowfall exits the area.
