winter storm

Salt gets all the credit for de-icing our roads during wintry weather, but it turns out it’s not a solo operation. The Kansas City office of the Missouri Department of Transportation says beet juice also plays an important part in melting that troublesome ice.

We’ll get to what the beet juice actually does — but first let’s find out where it comes from.

Two rapid-fire snowstorms belted Kansas with more than 2 feet of snow this week. They caused thousands of accidents and all kinds of hardships — but they also produced very broad smiles from some quarters.

That's because in a place as dry as Kansas has been lately, a blizzard can be a blessing for farmers and ranchers.

The recent run of severe weather has resulted in extensive power outages and downed power lines throughout Kansas City, Mo. Tens of thousands throughout the metro are without power.

Because of the higher temps this storm (~ 33 degrees), the snow is very moist and heavy, resulting in accumulation on trees and power lines. This accumulation is causing trees and power lines to sag and is a greater risk of downed power lines.

KCP&L has called in additional personnel and are progressing through restoration. 

Update Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. Due to the weather, polling places have been consolidated in both Wyandotte and Johnson Counties. Find polling places for Wyandotte County here and Johnson County here. 

Some areas were reporting light snow and ice in the early hours of Monday evening. The storm is expected to continue through Tuesday afternoon.

Governor Sam Brownback and state officials are urging Kansans to prepare for the storm that’s sweeping across the state. Brownback says the winter weather has already caused one fatality in Kansas.

A day of municipal mayhem is winding to a close.

The Kansas City Star’s Eric Adler writes that the whiteout of February 21, 2013 is a “100-year storm,” according to the record books. 

Many officials and citizens would probably agree.

The morning started with a snow dump. Some areas got several inches in several hours, according to the National Weather Service.

Kansas City Mayor Sly James has declared a state of emergency in response to the snow storm. 

The city says crews are responding to the snow and reports 250 snow plows are running, but residents are being asked to stay off the streets and park cars in driveways or garages.

Phase I and II of the City’s Snow Ordinance are in place.  Vehicles parked on snow routes may be ticketed or towed.  Cars and trucks that get stuck on major roadways without snow tires or  chains can also be ticketed.

The snow that fell on the Kansas City area Thursday morning is expected to fade Thursday afternoon. A winter storm warning is still in effect. Meanwhile, the storm has brought much of the metro area to a standstill.

Above, check out pictures from around the area as Kansas City digs out from the snow storm. 

The Kansas City region's largest winter storm in the last two years has tracked its way up from the desert southwest.

This storm system is brimming with moisture and packs enough content to keep highway crews and people shoveling sidewalks busy for much of the day.

At the National Weather Service office in Pleasant Hill, meteorologist Julie Leflan estimates up to 12 inches of snow on the northwest side of the metro, as much as 9 in the southeast suburbs. She says it’s good enough for recent record books.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for the Kansas City area until 6 a.m. Tuesday.

The KC metro area experienced its first winter storm. Missouri Senators weighed in on legislation to curb gun violence. Kansas tied for last when it comes to public health preparedness. Those stories & more from KCUR.

The Kansas City metro area experienced its first winter storm overnight Wednesday. Strong winds contributed to whiteout conditions for the morning rush hour. Dozens of schools are closed Thursday including Blue Valley, Kansas City, Kan., Kansas City Public Schools, Lawrence, and Shawnee Mission.