Weather
Kansas Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Ice Jam Flooding
Topeka, KS – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Kansas. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, October
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-27T08:03:08.004Z
Topeka, KS – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Kansas. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams can threaten travel, electricity and communities during the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Accumulating ice can make roads hazardous, damage trees and power lines, and disrupt electrical service.
How Dangerous Can Kansas Ice Storms Become? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and overpasses extremely slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause significant tree damage and widespread electrical disruptions.
Kansas experienced a destructive ice storm in December 2007, when heavy ice accumulation damaged trees and electrical infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands of customers without electricity across the region.
Drivers traveling Interstate 70, Interstate 35, Interstate 135 and Interstate 335 should exercise caution when freezing rain is forecast, particularly along exposed rural highways.
Ice Jams and Winter Flooding Risks River ice jams develop when accumulated ice restricts water flow, potentially causing flooding upstream.
Winter thaws, heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt can increase flooding risks, especially when frozen ground prevents water from soaking into the soil.
Although ice jams are less common in Kansas than in northern Plains states, portions of the Kansas, Republican, Big Blue and Missouri river systems can experience ice related flooding when prolonged freezing conditions develop.
How Kansas Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several precautions:
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for possible extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary driving during significant freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official forecasts and river conditions through the NWS Topeka office , NWS Wichita office and NWS Dodge City office .
Winter weather awareness efforts continue through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing preparation before ice storms, power outages and winter flooding threaten Kansas communities.