Winter is officially weeks away, but another round of winter weather is headed into Kansas tonight, so it's time to make sure you are prepared.
Although these storms are projected to be short-lived in duration, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management encourages all Kansans to take the opportunity to prepare for winter by making a home emergency kit that includes food, water, medications, extra clothing, flashlights and batteries, battery-operated NOAA weather radio and other necessities. If you already have a kit, now would be a good time to check their supplies and refresh any outdated food, medicines, batteries and other perishables. Make sure your kit includes supplies for your pet.
You should also review your home emergency plan and update any phone numbers, addresses, and other information so you can keep in contact with family and friends.
Avoid travel if you can, but if you must travel, make sure someone knows your travel plans, fill your car's tank with fuel, ensure your mobile phone is charged, and make sure your car's emergency kit is up to date. And whether at home or on the road, listen to your local radio and television stations for the latest weather information. State road and travel conditions may be accessed at the Kansas Department of Transportation KanDrive website www.kandrive.org or on a mobile device, go to 511mm.ksdot.org. You may also call 5-1-1 from any phone.
Information on winter driving tips is available from the Kansas Highway Patrol at www.kansashighwaypatrol.org. You may also follow the Kansas Highway Patrol on Facebook and Twitter at www.kansashighwaypatrol.org.
"As winter weather moves into our state, I urge all Kansans to make sure they are prepared," Governor Laura Kelly said. "We all know how Kansas weather can rapidly change, so be sure you are ready for whatever comes our way."
The first storm will affect the far northwest area of the state with heavy snow and wind beginning late tonight in eastern Colorado. The heaviest impacted areas is expected to be far northwest Kansas along the Kansas-Colorado-Nebraska border with lighter accumulations in other areas. Hazardous travel impacts are expected with this storm, with gusty winds and reduced visibility.
There is a chance for light snow again late Wednesday night into Thursday morning across central Kansas, but this is not likely to be a severe winter storm.