Weather

Topeka, KS – A powerful storm spreading snow, sleet and rain across the nation's midsection glazed roads and disrupted flights Thursday, making last-minute holiday travel treacherous but promising a white Christmas for some.

Kansas City, MO – In case you haven't noticed, the leaves around Kansas City seem to be especially vibrant this year. Trees are ablaze in brilliant red, gold and orange. But are the trees especially colorful this year? To get some answers, KCUR's Susan Wilson stopped by the Linda Hall Library to consult with groundskeeper Scott Reiter about the science behind this year's fall foliage.

Kansas City, Mo. –
Some parts of northwest Kansas got up to 10 inches of snow Thursday night as a storm rolled into the state from Colorado. But the National Weather Service says the snow will be gone by the end of the weekend as temperatures rise into the 50s and 60s.

Rawlins County saw the biggest accumulation with 10 inches.

A meteorologist says areas south of Interstate 70 received little if any snow from the system.

Sugar Creek, MO – Ten thousand drivers a day will have to find another way to cross the Missouri river until at least mid July. The northbound span of M-291 is considered too dangerous. KCUR's Dan Verbeck was there, on the metro's east side, shortly before the 60 year old bridge was closed July 7th.

Kansas City – Area health departments are urging people to drink lots of water and not spend too much time in the sun. They're also working with various places - like libraries - to open public centers where people can go and cool off during the day.

Gay Hall is with the Wyandotte County Health Department, and says workers there are also busy responding to phone calls about the elderly.