Kansas City, Missouri – Snow squalls may rapidly create dangerous driving conditions on roads across Kansas and Missouri tonight into Friday.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, snow showers and snow squalls are expected to develop behind an arctic cold front sweeping across the central Plains and Midwest. Portions of eastern Kansas and much of Missouri are included in the snow squall risk area, with the potential for brief but intense bursts of snow.
Snow squalls are particularly dangerous because they can produce heavy snowfall rates, strong gusty winds, and near-zero visibility with little warning. Roads that appear dry or merely wet can quickly turn icy, especially along interstates, rural highways, bridges, and overpasses.
Forecasters warn that travel conditions may deteriorate within minutes, increasing the risk of spinouts and multi-vehicle crashes. Impacts are most likely during overnight travel and Friday morning and evening commutes, when traffic volumes increase.
In addition to snow squalls, strong winds are expected outside of squalls, with gusts potentially reaching 40 to 50 mph across parts of Kansas and Missouri. Blowing snow may further reduce visibility, and high-profile vehicles could face hazardous driving conditions.
Drivers who encounter a snow squall are advised to slow down gradually, turn on headlights and hazard lights, and avoid sudden braking. Officials recommend delaying travel when possible until conditions improve.
The snow squall threat continues through Friday night, diminishing as the cold front moves east of the region.
