The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Watch until noon Saturday, Dec. 24 and a Winter Storm Watch from Thursday morning until Friday afternoon for Johnson County.
The watches are in effect for portions of east central and northeast Kansas and central, north central, northeast and west central Missouri.
According to NWS, the Winter Storm Watch includes possible heavy snow with total accumulations of 4 to 6 inches. Wind could gust as high as 45 to 50 mph.
For the Wind Chill Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero are possible.
According to the NWS hazardous weather outlook for Warrensburg, snowfall is expected late Wednesday into Thursday. The report states that possible several inches of snowfall, bitter cold temperatures and strong winds will make for hazardous holiday travel conditions late this week.
Temperatures are expected to plummet during the day Thursday, with wind chill values falling -20 to -30 Thursday afternoon and evening.
Below-normal temperatures are expected for the foreseeable future. Dangerous cold will remain in place across the region through the Christmas holiday weekend.
On Tuesday, Warrensburg will be mostly cloudy with a high near 30, a low near 23 and winds up to 6 to 8 mph. Wednesday’s forecast starts out similar as cloudy with a high near 33 and winds around 3 to 7 mph, but in the evening, there is a 50% chance of snow after midnight with a low near 21.
On Thursday, widespread blowing snow is expected after 5 p.m.; the chance of precipitation is 100%. The high will be near 35, with a low around -8. On Friday, patchy blowing snow is expected before 4 p.m., but the day will be partly sunny. The high will be near 3, with a low around -4 as it becomes partly cloudy in the evening.
Christmas Eve will be mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 10 and a low around -2. Christmas Day will again be mostly sunny during the day, with a high near 20 and a low around 17.
NWS cautions drivers to plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
For tips on staying safe and finding a warming center, visit www.mo.gov/winter-weather-safety.
