Tuesday Ice Storm Downs Tree Limbs, Causes Power Outages

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Updated: Tuesday, 5:20 p.m.

An ice storm downed limbs and caused power outages in Cowley County Tuesday while most in-person classes were canceled at schools in the region for the second-straight day due to unseasonable winter weather.

Both Ark City and Winfield recorded power outages during the late lunch hour.

Light freezing rain will affect parts of south east and south central Kansas through Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita. Most of the ice accumulation will be on elevated surfaces such as trees. In addition, bridges and overpasses may also be slick.

Ice accumulations of .25” is expected.

The City of Winfield closed Island Park earlier Tuesday in anticipation of falling tree limbs due to ice accumulation.

Posted by Cowley County Emergency Management on Tuesday, October 27, 2020

East Radio Lane in Ark City Monday morning. (Photo by Brady Bauman)

EARLIER:

Another round of wintry travel can be expected overnight through early on Tuesday with freezing drizzle, sleet and freezing rain affect much of southern Kansas, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita Monday evening.

Some snow flurries will be possible across central Kansas. Additional ice accumulations around one tenth to a quarter of an inch will be possible across southern Kansas, with the heaviest ice accumulations east of the Kansas Turnpike.

Additional ice accumulations from a round of freezing rain and freezing drizzle will affect portions of south central and southeast Kansas this morning.

The greatest impact from the ice is expected closer to the Oklahoma border. Some thunder and lightning is also possible.

Closings so far for Tuesday:

Central Burden USD 462
Winfield USD 465
Ark City USD 470
Holy Name Catholic School Winfield
Ark City Christian Academy
Wellington USD 353, however remote food service will be available for pickup
Oxford USD 358
Dexter USD 471
Cedar Vale USD 285
Ponca City Public Schools
Newkirk Public Schools
Cowley College 10 a.m. late start
Sunshine Daycare
No transportation for Twin Rivers
No Winfield Friendship Meal deliveries

Some school districts may still be holding remote learning assignments.

FROM MONDAY:

Several schools and services closed Monday due to heavy sleet in the region.

Wintry travel is expected Monday through the evening from accumulating snow, sleet and freezing rain, according to the National Weather Service.

As of 6 a.m. Monday in Ark City, 0.21 inch of liquid precipitation was measured, along with 0.10 inch of sleet on the ground. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. Monday morning through 1 a.m. Tuesday.

More sleet, snow and freezing rain is expected. Snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 2 inches has been predicted. Ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch is expected.

CANCELLATIONS FOR MONDAY: